Schools use a tremendous amount of water everyday,
and require water for their heating and cooling systems,
restrooms, drinking water faucets, locker rooms, cafeteria,
laboratories, and outdoor playing fields and lawns.
To reduce water use in the school, consider replacing
old equipment such as dishwashers with
energy-saving devices.
Repair water leaks and leaky toilets. Install water
aerators and automatic shut-off devices on faucets.
Use low-flow shower heads and timer shut-off devices
to reduce water use during showers. Install toilet dams
on older models.
EPA also offers assistance about ways to reduce health
hazards in schools through its Tools
for Schools and Toxic Free Schools Programs.
At
the request of teachers for additional classroom activities
related to ground water, the EPA Region 1 New England
Office provided grants to the New England Interstate
Water Pollution Control Commission to develop classroom
activity books for grades K-6 and 7-12. These books,
entitled, "That
Magnificent Ground Water Connection," include
background information for teachers and several student
activities introducing water conservation principles.
To reduce outdoor water use, maximize natural vegetative
cover, and limit the amount of lawn area provided. Maintain
playing fields using drought-tolerant grasses. Other
outdoor water tips follow:
|