Summer is when water use often climbs. A few simple habits can make a big difference to your school’s water efficiency, budgets and sustainability outcomes. Here’s how to stay water smart this season.

1. Stay ahead of leaks

Schools often have long pipes, older fixtures and lots of places for small leaks to hide. Do a quick sweep of the grounds, especially before school holidays: dripping taps, running toilets, damp patches near irrigation lines. Even a slow drip can waste thousands of litres a year — spotting issues early saves money and water.

2. Use hoses and irrigation with care

Auckland summers can swing between dry spells and sudden rain.

• If you use an irrigation system, set it on a timer and adjust it as the weather changes.
• Fit a trigger nozzle to your hose to keep flow under control.
• Water gardens in the early morning or evening to reduce evaporation.
  

3. Capture rainwater for school gardens

Installing a rain barrel or tank is a simple way to support vegetable beds, native plant areas, or student gardening projects. It’s also an easy link to sustainability learning — showing students how water cycles work in real time.

4. Bring students into the mahi

Share quick water-saving tips in your school newsletter or social posts to inspire whānau at home.

5. Make cleaning water-efficient

Cleaning is a major water use on school grounds. Swap hoses for brooms wherever possible on courts and pathways. When rinsing mops and buckets, avoid letting taps run — small changes keep litres in the bank.

6. Plant for the climate

Drought-resistant native shrubs and grasses thrive in Auckland conditions and need far less watering. They’re hardy, low maintenance and a smart long-term choice for school landscaping.

7. Let grass around your school grounds grow a little longer

A simple, effective way to save water, longer grass shades the soil, reduces heat and wind exposure. Longer grass also helps the ground hold moisture for longer.

8. Save on seasonal pool costs

Will you be refilling your pool before Term 1? If your school fills its pool using a hose from the mains supply, standard wastewater charges apply. Over a season, those charges can add up. You can reduce these costs is by using a water tanker delivery. It’s a simple switch that can make a noticeable difference - potentially thousands of dollars - to your annual costs.

Just search online for local 'water tanker delivery' suppliers and book directly. It’s a quick, reliable and easy way to keep your pool full while keeping costs down.

Fast fact: A pool cover can significantly reduce evaporation and maintain more consistent water levels, which means fewer refills are needed.

Thank you for helping Auckland use water wisely. Small actions across your school add up — strengthening our city’s resilience and teaching students the importance of protecting one of our most essential resources.