Reducing water consumption is a vital step for schools to conserve resources, lower operational costs, and promote environmental sustainability. This START metric focuses on minimizing the total amount of water used each year through measures such as upgrading fixtures, optimizing irrigation, and implementing water-saving policies. By prioritizing water efficiency, schools can decrease their environmental impact, protect local water supplies, and set an example of sustainable stewardship for students and the community.
Water scarcity is a growing global challenge, with an estimated 4 billion people experiencing water shortages at least one month per year (UNICEF). Schools have a unique opportunity to address this issue by adopting water-saving practices that both conserve a critical resource and instill a culture of mindfulness about water use.
Strategies for Reducing Water Consumption
NOTE: This is not a prescriptive list; it just offers ideas to inspire action and can be tailored to fit the unique needs of each school.
Conduct a Water Audit
Assess water use across the school campus to identify inefficiencies and high-usage areas.
Use audit results to prioritize upgrades and initiatives for water conservation.
Install Water-Efficient Fixtures
Replace traditional faucets, toilets, and urinals with low-flow or sensor-operated alternatives.
Install aerators on sinks to reduce water flow without sacrificing performance.
Optimize Irrigation Systems
Use drip irrigation systems to deliver water directly to plants’ roots, minimizing evaporation.
Schedule watering during early morning or late evening hours to reduce water loss.
Plant Drought-Resistant Landscaping
Replace water-intensive lawns with native, drought-resistant plants or xeriscaping.
Use mulch to retain soil moisture and reduce the need for frequent watering.
Collect and Reuse Rainwater
Install rain barrels or cisterns to capture and store rainwater for irrigation and cleaning purposes.
Educate students about rainwater harvesting and its benefits for water conservation.
Eliminate Water Waste
Identify and repair leaks in plumbing systems, faucets, or irrigation lines promptly.
Use real-time water monitoring systems to detect and address issues quickly.
Incorporate Water Recycling Systems
Reuse greywater from sinks or fountains for non-potable applications like irrigation.
Partner with local experts to design safe and effective water recycling systems.
Engage the School Community
Raise awareness about water conservation through posters, newsletters, or assemblies.
Encourage students and staff to adopt simple habits, like turning off taps while brushing or washing.
Integrate Water Efficiency into Curriculum
Include lessons on the importance of water conservation in science or geography classes.
Use campus water-saving initiatives as real-world examples for project-based learning.
Set Reduction Goals
Establish measurable water consumption reduction targets for the school.
Track progress regularly and share updates with the community to celebrate successes.
Install Touchless Technology
Use touchless faucets and toilets in restrooms to minimize water waste and improve hygiene.
Combine these upgrades with educational efforts to maximize impact.
Monitor and Share Usage Data
Use smart water meters to measure and track consumption across the campus.
Display data on dashboards or bulletin boards to keep students and staff informed and engaged.
Collaborate with Local Organizations
Partner with water utilities, environmental groups, or sustainability experts to access resources and funding.
Participate in community-wide water conservation initiatives or challenges.
Involve Students in Water Conservation Projects
Create student-led groups to identify water-saving opportunities and implement solutions.
Use water conservation initiatives as opportunities for leadership and skill development.
Celebrate and Promote Success
Highlight water-saving achievements, such as reduced consumption or cost savings, in school communications.
Host events or campaigns to recognize contributions from students, staff, or community partners.
‘How To’ Guides
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Best Practices for Water Management
From WaterSense (EPA), a comprehensive guide spanning water monitoring, education, fixtures and equipment and outdoor use.
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Reducing Lead in Drinking Water in Schools
The EPA's "3Ts for Reducing Lead in Drinking Water in Schools and Child Care Facilities" guide provides comprehensive strategies for managing lead contamination in school water systems.
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Product Directory: WaterSense
The US EPA's WaterSense makes it easy to find and select water-efficient products that can help your wallet and the environment.
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Fact Sheet: Water Use in US Schools
From WaterSense (EPA), an overview of best practices and steps for better water management in schools.
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Project WET Activities
Activities combine science, senses, and are solution oriented to teach students about conserving water.
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Water Consumption Quiz
Test your water knowledge with this quiz created by GSA Student Intern, Audrey Griggs!
Schools hold the key to a healthy, sustainable and regenerative future.
They are role-models and incubators that that nurture, educate and prepare each generation for adult life.
Schools have a unique opportunity and profound responsibility to become part the transition to a sustainable, regenerative future in which people and planet can thrive.
But how do we get there?
START: Sustainability Tracking, Analytics & Roadmap Tool was created by schools, for schools, to help them develop comprehensive programs for step-by-step progress towards sustainability, regenerative practice, and student empowerment.
START provides a Roadmap for School Sustainability:
It breaks down school sustainability into clear actions (‘metrics’), such as Minimizing Waste, Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions, and supporting Sustainable Transportation options.
However, research shows it’s not enough for a school to simply reduce its environmental impact.
Students and staff also need to learn about sustainability, and practice it in day-to-day activities, because this impacts their attitudes and behaviors when they leave school. That’s why START includes metrics like Sustainability Events for Students, Sustainability Course Content, and Sustainable Purchasing Practices.
How sustainable is our school now?
Schools use START to measure how sustainable they are now. A school’s START team investigates how their school currently operates to find their ‘sustainability baseline’ for each metric. For example, is our school a beginner, intermediate or advanced in sustainable water use? START enables schools to benchmark, track and visualize their current sustainability levels, as well as hard data around their waste, water, energy and greenhouse gas emissions.
Where should we go next, and do we collaborate for success?
What do we need to do to ‘level up’ in each metric? Once schools have their baselines, START helps them to set goals and plan for progress. START provides a central hub for school members to collaborate, document, and plan their school’s sustainability journey.
START is a subscription-based Whole School Sustainability dashboard.
It requires at least one adult school member to create a school’s START account, but it will need a team (students, teachers and staff) to grow a Whole School Sustainability program.
Interested schools can sign up for a demo or apply to set up an account.
Learn more about START here, and consider sharing the brochure with your school.
Let’s create a better future, one school at a time.
Contact us at guides@greenschoolsalliance.org if you have a free resource to contribute or recommend that can help schools take action around this specific sustainability metric.