About Green-Schools Water:

Water is an important resource which we use in almost every part of daily life. The raw material may appear to be plentiful but, worldwide, and even in parts of Ireland, it is an increasingly scarce resource. It is not only humans who rely on water, it is also important for the survival of all other living creatures and habitats. Thus, a sufficient supply of clean water is essential to the health of people and the environment. This theme looks at developing awareness around water conservation and how to effectively manage this important resource in our schools and at home.

Irish Water:

Irish Water sponsor and support the Green-Schools Water theme. The support of Irish Water is important to the overall development and delivery of the Water theme and provides Irish Water with the opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to supporting the education and engagement of primary and secondary school students in water conservation and efficiency throughout Ireland. In addition, by supporting the Water theme, Irish Water is helping to enhance the delivery of the Green-Schools Water theme to schools. (See below for a list of events carried out in partnership with Irish Water and visit www.water.ie for more information)

Useful Tips to Conserve Water at Home:

• Turn off the taps when washing your teeth – you can save six litres of water
• Take a shower not a bath – don’t use power showers as a 10 minute shower uses as much water as three baths!
• Fill the kettle for the right amount – you can save energy as well!
• Use water from a water butt to water your plants
• Never use a hose pipe in your garden
• Always fix leaking taps
• Use your dishwasher and washing machine only when they are full, thus saving energy as well!
• Visit Irish Water’s website to learn more about being water smart in the home.

Facts and Figures

• 99% of the world’s water cannot be used because it is either saline (i.e. salt water) or is locked up in glaciers and ice sheets.
• Most of the remaining water is present in rocks as groundwater (approx. 0.6%), while just over 0.3% is present in rivers and lakes
• Rapid expansion in urban populations has resulted in increased pressure on Local Authority wastewater treatment facilities and, in many instances, the inability to cope with the increasing volumes of waste generated.
• A tap dripping once a second wastes 45,000 litres of water a year
• A hosepipe or sprinkler can use 1,000 litres (or 1 tonne) of water per hour. This is as much as a family of four would normally use in two days!
• Our own bodies are two thirds water and our brains are at least 85% water!
• A person can survive a month without food, but can only survive five or six days without water
• A powershower uses almost 125 litres of water in five minutes. That’s a massive 250 litres in 10 minutes!
• Shortage of water could lead to major political conflicts around the world. Over 20 countries depend on the flow of water from other countries for their water supply
• The World Bank estimates that by 2025 1.4 billion people in 48 countries may experience water stress or scarcity.

Events:

Water Workshops

22 multi-school student workshops have been held around the country each year since Irish Water began to sponsor the Green-Schools programme in 2013. The workshops employ a mixture of interactive demos, water related games, PowerPoint presentations, water themed clips, videos and, importantly, group work to deliver a water conservation message to schools and by extension the whole school community. The workshops enable schools to engage with each other and share their knowledge and experience of the Green-Schools Water theme. They provide an opportunity for schools to discuss any issues they encountered during their programme and to seek advice from other schools, Irish Water, Local Authorities and Green-Schools staff. During the forums students learn about the Seven Steps of the Green-Schools programme, how to successfully complete the Water theme and important issues surrounding water. Contact waterevents@eeu.antaisce.org to find out about Water Workshops planned for your area.

Water School of the Year Award

Green-Schools Water of the Year Award, supported by Irish Water, recognises innovation and creativity among schools that apply for the Green Flag for Water. It also acknowledges achievements in water reduction, spreading awareness about water issues and involving local communities in the schools Green-Schools water programme.

This award has been running since 2013/2014 academic year and recognises four primary and four secondary school regional winners and from these winners one primary and one secondary school national winner is chosen.

Walk for Water

To celebrate World Water Day (22 March each year) and spread awareness of water issues around the world you can join other Green-Schools and organise a Walking for Water event or participate in one of the walks organised by Green-Schools.

Each year Green-Schools, in partnership with Irish Water, hold walks in locations around the country and encourage schools to do the same.

View photos from previous year’s Green-Schools walks in Glendalough, Gougane Barra and Glenveagh National Park here.

Water Ambassador Programme

In early 2016 Green-Schools, in partnership with Irish Water, ran its first ever ambassador programme. The 2021/2022 academic year will be the sixth year of the Ambassador Programme. The aim of the programme is to engage directly with second-level students on the topics of water, water conservation, treatment and the marine environment and encourage them to act as ambassadors for Green-Schools in their own schools and local communities.

Successful candidates take part in a one day workshop: the morning session of each training day involves speakers from Green-Schools, Irish Water and Clean Coasts. The topics discussed during the ambassador training days include: Green-Schools (what it is), the scarcity and importance of water, walk for water, water pollution and water quality testing, water saving techniques, virtual water, communication methods, engineering, marine litter, wastewater and water treatment. The afternoon session of each training day included a visit to a water/wastewater treatment plant where students saw firsthand what processes water undergoes. Students are also invited to a second day each Spring where they can catch up on their work as ambassadors and get more in-depth training from Green-Schools.

Find out more and apply to take part in this year’s Water Ambassador Programme by clicking here.

Green-Schools Irish Water Poster Competition

The Green-Schools Irish Water poster competition has been running since 2013/14. It invites students from Green-Schools currently working on the water theme to submit an A3 poster under a particular water related theme. The last themes include: Value Water; From the Cloud to Your Glass; and Be Water Smart. There are three categories for entry and regional winners are selected from each category (a total of 12 regional winners). National winners are selected from the regional winners in each category (totaling three national winners).