South-east state schools slash water usage by half

South-east Queensland state schools have slashed their water usage by almost half in just two years.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said more schools were set to save water through a $2.5 million program to increase water efficiency at school swimming pools in south-east Queensland.

“Our state schools have more than exceeded the Queensland Water Commission’s target of reducing water consumption by 25 per cent,” Mr Welford said. “Almost three-quarters of our schools achieved water savings above that target.

“Between 2004-05 and 2006-07, south-east Queensland state schools reduced their water consumption by 48 per cent. These significant water savings have been accomplished through tap and shower retrofits, the installation of water tanks at some schools, and educational programs.

“This water saving is set to continue with water efficiency retrofits about to be carried out at almost 150 school swimming pools in south-east Queensland.

“Our principals, teachers and students are to be congratulated for the savings they have made.

“Schools have been reinforcing to students the importance of saving water and that message is paying off. We now have a generation of youngsters coming through that understand the need to conserve water as a critical natural resource.

“And it’s a message they’re passing on to their parents. I’m sure there are many parents who have received a friendly reminder from their children to turn the tap off when they’re brushing their teeth or do one less load of washing per week.”

Mr Welford said it was not only schools in the south-east that were achieving water savings.

“Overall water consumption in state schools throughout Queensland has reduced by almost 31 per cent over the two years – that’s about 2400 megalitres or the equivalent of 2400 Olympic swimming pools,” he said.

“TAFE institutes have also been doing their part, reducing their water consumption by 41 per cent or 150 megalitres across all campuses in south-east Queensland.”

Mr Welford said that while dam levels in the south-east had improved, it was important that water efficiency was maintained at schools and TAFE institutes.

“I expect further water savings can be made through the installation of water efficient toilets and improving the management of ovals and sporting fields,” he said.

“We cannot afford to stop saving water.”

Media contact: Marnie Stitz on 3237 1000 or 0419 734 985