That’s My Water! teaches Darwin students how to be water smart

Over 200 Darwin students from three local Darwin primary schools learnt innovative ways to conserve water and improve water efficiency in a program from the Power and Water, Living Water Smart team.

That’s My Water! saw year 5/6 students from Jingili, Leanyer and Wanguri primary schools participate in the unit of work that was mapped to the Australian Curriculum and developed in consultation with the principals and teachers of the schools.

Students from all three schools presented projects to Michael Thomson, Chief Executive of Power and Water, Aderyn Chatterton, Regional Director Darwin, Department of Education, Power and Water’s Living Water Smart team and their peers.

Michael Thomson, Chief Executive of Power and Water said the program’s data indicates improved student awareness about why water consumption is a serious issue for Darwin.

“By working in a coordinated way with the schools, Living Water Smart was able to develop the unit aimed at improving the students’ knowledge of water conservation”, he said.

 “A full evaluation is due in early November and anecdotal evidence suggests major community impact and positive outcomes for Living Water Smart, schools and students".

Joel Spry, a water efficiency specialist in the Living Water Smart team said the program was hands-on and interactive.

“As well as classroom learning with teachers and guest speakers, students toured the Ludmilla Water Treatment Facility. Students also participated in school water walks where they hunted for leaks, like dripping taps and leaking toilets, to identify savings.”

“This program gives students a more practical and engaging way of understanding the importance of conserving water and it is great to see them share their learnings with their peers".

Carin Symonds, Principal of Jingili Primary School, said teacher and student feedback from the program has been positive.

“These kinds of experiences are so valuable for our students as they have the opportunity to explore real life issues with real people who work in a related field,” she said.

“It helps our students to look beyond the classroom and serves to bring the curriculum alive in a very exciting way".

Data from the 2016 That’s My Water! initiative is available to view here. To participate in this year’s program, contact joel.spry@powerwater.com.au