Factors influencing water consumption in South African schools

Purpose: Schools throughout South Africa, as with many other institutional facilities, are becoming increasingly pressured to reduce operating costs. Utility costs are often overlooked as opportunities to reduce school operating costs. Whilst environmental management is the responsibility of every school governing body, and should be addressed in a holistic and responsible manner, the reduction of water consumption may provide not only environmental benefits, but also cost savings to the institution. The purpose of this study, whilst reinforcing the need for water use management within schools, is to provide a structured approach to identify opportunities for water use reduction within these facilities. Design/methodology/approach: Practical interventions, available to school management, are illustrated relating water conservation to cost savings and the preservation of water as a scarce national resource, assisting non-technical school managers to identify possible applications. Findings: Water conservation in the form of reduced consumption will have varied impacts. These include environmental benefits and direct and indirect cost savings. Originality/value: The paper offers recommendations regarding the installation of pressure reducing devices, water strainers, and non-return equipment, use of irrigation of sports fields and gardens, and regular and consistent monitoring.