Ways to Save Water in Public High Schools

Public high schools have large and diverse water needs. A school uses water in the restrooms, locker rooms, pool, sports fields, drinking fountains, science labs and kitchens, among other places. There are many steps a high school can take to reduce its water use and place less strain on the environment, while also reducing costs for taxpayers.

Repairs

• One of the simplest things a public high school can do to conserve a great deal of water is to repair existing fixtures. Leaking pipes and running toilets can waste huge amounts of water, one drip at a time. Spending the time and money to spruce up the building's infrastructure might be the only thing that's needed to get the school to meet its conservation goals--and realize substantial financial rewards. Rigid adherence to a schedule of regular inspections of the building's systems, part of a maintenance checklist, will identify problems quickly so they can be nipped in the bud.

Efficiency Fixtures

• If repairs fall short of the desired goal, the next step should be installing high efficiency appliances and fixtures. Aerators in sinks and drinking fountains can reduce the flow of water without cutting back on water pressure. High efficiency dishwashers in the lunchroom kitchen and break rooms can also contribute significant savings, as can low-flow toilets and shower heads in the locker room and restrooms.

  Timers are invaluable as water-saving fixtures. Sinks and showers that shut off automatically can prevent waste due to vandalism or carelessness.

Grass Alternatives

• A large percentage of a public high school's water use goes to watering sports fields and other grassy areas. Schools can save water by removing grass wherever it isn't necessary, such as in courtyards, the front of the building and other decorative landscaping areas. Replacing turf grass with native plants and ground covers that need less water, filling in other areas with mulch. This step can even upgrade the aesthetic appeal of school grounds.

  Schools that have the financial resources should also consider installing artificial playing surfaces. Despite the high cost, they require less maintenance than natural grass and never need to be watered. They can also provide safety advantages to student athletes by removing the inconsistencies that occur naturally in dirt and grass.

Pools

• Public high schools that house a swimming pool face special challenges in conserving water. Investment in more efficient filtration and drainage systems, limiting the need for frequent refills, will pay for itself in short order and help the school reach its conservation goals. School boards would be wise to build free-standing aquatic facilities in central locations, where they can be shared by several schools with the district. If possible, schools should seek to partner with local public or private pools for student use, rather than making the investment in an on-site pool that will use much water for years to come.