Schools and families across Brisbane helped save more than one million litres of water during a Watersense competition organised by Brisbane City Council last month. Brisbane rewarded their most water conscious family and school with fully installed rainwater tanks as part of the event. Lord Mayor, Campbell Newman, said these Watersense Challenge Awards were presented during National Water Week, which ran from 17 to 24 October.
“Water sustainability is one of the most important issues facing Australia and those lucky enough to live in Southeast Queensland will need to make significant change in the way we use water, as well as the way we value this limited natural resource,” he said. “These annual awards recognise the valuable contribution made by many schools and families in promoting efficient water usage and supporting Council in achieving our vision for growing a clean and green Brisbane.”
During the competition, hundreds of Brisbane families confronted their water use behaviour and significantly changed water use practices for one week. Participating families recorded their water meter readings each day at the same time for seven days, and calculated the consumption. The families then compared one week of normal water use with one week where they tried to save water.
Councillor Newman said Watersense participants saved a total of 1,006,090 litres during the Home Challenge. “That’s almost double last year’s saving of more than 511,000 litres,” he said.
The Watersense Family is the Lupton family of Durack who saved 10,984 litres of water in one week. Councillor Newman said the Lupton family saved the most by significantly reducing garden irrigation. School student, Sarah Lupton, convinced her family to put into practice several water saving behaviours including using a cup for brushing their teeth, taking shorter showers and using the half flush on the toilet.
Councillor Newman said Holland Park State Primary School was selected from more than 150 schools that participated in the program over the past 12 months. As a reward for their achievements, Holland Park State School wins a fully installed rainwater tank valued at more than $1000.
“Holland Park students displayed outstanding water efficient behaviour with several projects demonstrating clear innovation and community inclusiveness,” Councillor Newman said. “Council received several innovative award applications from schools that had gone to amazing lengths to educate their students, families and surrounding community about the importance of efficient water use.
