Schools across the South West are making significant savings through simple changes to the way they use water.
Water efficiency visits by South West Water have helped 57 schools across Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset save a combined total of over 15m litres of water each year.
The programme, delivered this year, involved water efficiency assessments and the installation of devices like tap inserts, shower flow reducers, urinal flush controls, and save-a-flush units.
Leak checks and repairs were also part of the visits.
Megan Williams, water efficiency delivery manager at South West Water, said: "Schools are at the heart of their communities.
"It's fantastic to see so many schools embracing simple water-saving measures and achieving such impressive results.
"Every drop counts.
"By making small changes, schools have demonstrated how collective action can make a real difference, helping to conserve water and build resilience for the future."
The schools are now saving a total of 42,960 litres of water each day, cutting both operating costs and environmental impact.
South West Water said these daily savings will free up more of each school’s budget for educational resources and reduce water demand even during school holidays.
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Ms Williams said that without interventions, unnoticed leaks and inefficient systems would have continued to waste water.
South West Water also delivers educational sessions to help primary school pupils understand how to use water efficiently.
Sophie Moore, the company’s community education officer, teaches children across Devon and Cornwall about the water cycle and the value of conserving water.
She said: "It’s brilliant to see how much water the schools we have visited are saving.
"Engaging with students on our most precious resource is so important, and I hope that more schools come forward for more lessons and water efficiency visits so we can keep young people informed."
Four schools visited by Ms Moore this year have already saved a total of 2,410 litres of water per day, thanks in part to repairs such as fixing leaking toilets.
The water company hopes more schools will come forward to take part and help boost the region’s water sustainability efforts.
Further details about South West Water’s education programme, including booking information, are available at its website.
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