Water saving program makes ripple effect for local schools
A water saving program for schools is making a splash on the Mornington Peninsula, saving schools more than 23,800,000 litres of water and over $130,000 in water bill savings in the last financial year – water savings equivalent to 9.5 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
The Schools Water Efficiency Program (SWEP) enables schools to track their water use using digitally enabled data loggers attached to their water meter.
By monitoring water use in near real-time, schools can detect and rectify leaks early to save water and money.
There are 42 schools registered with SWEP on the Mornington Peninsula.
SWEP provides facility managers, teachers and students with access to up-to-date water consumption through a personalised dashboard.
Participating schools also receive access to a tailored curriculum program, which incorporates the school’s water data into maths and science activities, as well as providing students with water saving messages they can apply at home.
Rosebud Primary School Principal Kirsty Hudson said the program was beneficial for boosting water efficiency, saving money and education.
“We started on the SWEP program in 2020 after identifying a leak at our school. Since joining, identifying leaks has saved us $20,000 on our water bills and 3,699,587 litres of water – that’s around 1.5 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
“Not only does SWEP help us to save water, but it also provides a valuable learning opportunity for our students to learn about the importance of saving water.”
Rosebud Primary School Principal Kirsty Hudson
South East Water General Manager Strategy and Stakeholder Karen Lau said she was thrilled to see how the program can make a positive impact for school communities.
“We’re proud to support SWEP which not only helps primary and secondary schools save water but also inspires students to value and protect one of our most precious resources.
“It’s been great to see how this program can make a positive and practical impact while building awareness for a more sustainable future.”
South East Water General Manager Strategy and Stakeholder, Karen Lau
During the 2024–25 financial year, 336 government, private and Catholic school campuses across South East Water’s service area actively participated in the SWEP program. Combined, these schools saved about 137 million litres of water at an estimated avoided cost of $751,000.
Since 2012, schools across South East Water’s service area have saved about 2.3 billion litres of water at an estimated avoided cost of $9.8 million.
To find out more about SWEP or to sign your school up, visit Schools Water Efficiency Program (SWEP) | South East Water.
About SWEP
SWEP is an initiative of the Victorian Government, funded by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.
For more information visit the My SWEP website.
L-R: Rosebud Primary School Principal Kirsty Hudson: Rosebud Primary School students; South East Water Metering Manager, Kylie Course.