Water Campaign™ case study

An independent water efficiency audit for Council’s 12 kindergartens was conducted in December 2006 and found substantial opportunities to save water. Two main areas for efficiency were proposed:

• Priority one: water efficiency measures including installing flow control valves and stopping minor leaks.
• Priority two: water conservation measures including installing a rainwater tank system for toilet flushing, water play and garden watering.

Council was successful in its application for funding under Round 3 of the Australian Government Community Water Grants. The above measures have already been implemented and Council expects to achieve significant water saving in the kindergartens.

Water assessment

The project consultant completed water efficiency audits and conservation assessments for all 12 kindergartens and provided a report to Baw Baw Shire Council.

Permission was sought from the kindergarten committees of management and Council representatives attended meetings with the kindergarten operators to ensure effective implementation of the audit findings.

Tender specifications

Based on the water assessment report, contract specifications were prepared and tenders invited. Five plumbing companies who were keen to complete the water conservation works were invited to visit the sites and job specifications including expected outcomes were explained.

Australian Government Community Water Grant application

Council prepared and submitted community water grants applications for all 12 kindergartens. The applications included letters of support from the Mayor, Councillors, all kindergarten management, the Federal Member for McMillan, Gippsland Water and ICLEI Oceania. The applications were approved in November 2007.

Water conservation benefits

From a water saving viewpoint, rainwater harvesting systems have long payback periods. However, from a water conservation and sustainability perspective, where considerations other than economic may take precedence, the option to use rainwater to flush toilets is the more effective.

During water conservation assessment of the kindergartens a water consultant identified that harvesting of stormwater was estimated to be less than 0.07% reduction of stormwater drain flow and less than 0.01% reduction in the flow rate of receiving water. There was no measurable impact on the environment flow.

Educational benefits

Kindergarten operators will have the opportunity of using the project to directly educate the young children of water efficiency and conservation. It will assist the children in appreciating the value of water and the benefits of water conservation.

The twelve kindergartens in Baw Baw Shire are attended annually by more than 115,000 children and staff.