Can teaching water conservation in schools produce positive behavioural change and if so, what makes an effective water education program?

Sydney Water’s education programs and resources have evolved since tours began at Warragamba Dam in the 1970s. A range of programs have been developed, including tours of facilities, Streamwatch water quality monitoring, and water conservation in schools. The programs aim to develop knowledge, skills, values, and life long behaviours, while achieving water sustainability, reducing demand and waste, and protecting water quality.

Education resources are usually linked to the curriculum, target different age groups, and use a variety of media.

Sydney Water looks to its 1,550 schools as business customers, a target for education programs, and as partners in educating the community.

Recognising the important role schools play in long term water sustainability, Sydney Water developed an education strategy for schools in 2006 in consultation with the NSW Department of Education and Training (DET).

This new approach to water education will:

• take a holistic approach to education, which values water and develops sustainable lifestyle choices and behaviours;
• integrate behavioural change programs with water efficiency, while considering school infrastructure management;
• foster long-term learning and develop resources which consider teaching trends, child learning, and relevant research;
• continue to work in partnership with the Department of Education and Training, the Catholic Education Office, independent schools, professional teacher associations, and the NSW Board of Studies on curriculum development; and
• routinely monitor and evaluate the program by seeking feedback from schools on its use of
  educational resources and student engagement so opportunities for improvement can be identified.

These approaches are not revolutionary. They are, however, a shift from the common practice of awareness raising fact sheets and resource kits, one-off guest presentations to a single class within a school, and responding individually to teacher and student enquiries.

Successful water education in schools will help ensure Sydney’s future water supply. It requires investment across a range of strategies, is a long-term and evolving process, and requires effective working partnerships.

For more information on Sydney Water’s education programs and resources
visit Sydney Water.

Source: Education Partnerships (Schools) Pty Ltd Newsletter, Edition 3