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Water conservation

Learn impactful ways to protect local watersheds through water conservation.

This benchmark covers water conservation and the protection of local watersheds. Schools use water for various purposes such as drinking, cooking, cleaning, classroom instruction (such as in science labs), and irrigating school grounds. Through proactive measures, schools can reduce water usage and protect resources.

Criteria for recognition

Schools

  • Conduct a baseline Waste Walk Through (WWT) at least every 2 years. Use the information to set goals.
  • Promote your school and/or district water conservation goals. If none exist, work with administration, faculty, and staff to develop a water conservation plan. Your plan might include:
    • Regularly checking for and fixing leaks
    • Installing water-efficient appliances
    • Installing faucet aerators
    • Establish litter and debris removal plans for storm drains.
  • Complete at least 1 water conservation activity or student project. These activities might include:
    • Calculating water usage
    • Installing rain barrels for school gardens
    • Planting drought-resistant native plants on school grounds
    • Measuring flow rates of sinks throughout school and speaking to custodian about installing low flow aerators
    • Posting “turn off the faucet” stickers above sinks
    • Studying local watersheds and understanding how we use water
  • Share at least 1 way you are educating all students and staff about water conservation efforts with your program representative.
  • Share at least 1 success from your water conservation efforts with your program representative.
  • Optional: Share your other water conservation actions.

Districts

Districts can find recognition criteria for the Water Conservation Benchmark in the District Benchmark Guide.

Recognition form

Schools

Fill out the School Water Conservation recognition form. You may fill out the form to receive your benchmark badge at any time of year.
You can complete the recognition form over multiple sessions using the "Save" button. You will be emailed a link that allows you to continue filling out the form. Once the form is complete, select the "Submit" button.

Districts

Fill out the District Water Conservation recognition form. Districts may fill out the recognition form to receive the benchmark badge in the spring of each school year. 

Water Conservation resources and activities

Interested in learning more? Check out our resource list for more detailed information on this benchmark topic.

Success stories

Students at Raisbeck Aviation High School in Highline School District applied water conservation principles in their STEM projects. A notable example is the 10th grade capstone project. Students designed solutions to address excess runoff at the King County International Airport.

At Audubon Elementary School in Lake Washington School District, students conserved water by posting reminders in bathrooms and classrooms to turn off faucets. They also measured the water flow from bathroom sinks and shared their findings with the school. During Earth Day, the Green Team organized a Water Usage and Water Conservation Comic challenge. The librarian displayed books for students to use as inspiration.

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