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Water conservation
This benchmark covers water conservation and the protection of local watersheds. Schools use water for various purposes such as drinking, cooking, cleaning, classroom instruction (such as in science labs), and irrigating school grounds. Through proactive measures, schools can reduce water usage and protect resources.
School criteria for recognition
Fill out the School Water conservation recognition form when you have completed the following criteria:
- Complete at least 1 water conservation activity or student project with an adult advisor. Contact your program representative for project ideas.
- Conduct a Waste Walk Through (WWT) every year. Use the information to set goals.
- Share your water conservation goals with the rest of the school. Examples could include assemblies, newsletters, announcements, or social media posts.
- Share your water conservation efforts and progress with your program representative.
Recognition form
Fill out the School Water conservation recognition form. You may fill out the form to receive your benchmark badge at any time during the school year. Contact your program representative if you need assistance filling out the form.
You can complete the recognition form over multiple sessions using the "Save" button. You will be emailed a link that allows you to continue filling out the form. Once the form is complete, select the "Submit" button.
Check out all the schools and districts that were recognized for Water Conservation in 2025-2026.
District criteria for recognition
District staff will be invited to apply for recognition once at least 50% of their school are participating in the Green Schools Program. Find the district recognition criteria for this benchmark in the District Benchmark Guide.
Once criteria are met, district staff can fill out the District Water Conservation recognition form.
Water Conservation resources and activities
- Printable “Turn off the faucet” cards
- Water conservation announcements
- Pledge to conserve water and reduce water pollution
- Creating a school yard habitat
- Water footprint calculator
- Request water flow bags from your Green Schools Representative
Interested in learning more? Check out our resource list for more detailed information on this benchmark topic.
Success stories
At the Renaissance School of Art and Reasoning, students led a schoolwide education campaign. They went to each science class and facilitated a lesson centered on individual water use and conservation efforts. A cohort of students also traveled to Olympia to speak with representatives about data center regulations. While the specific bill they were lobbying for did not pass, the students gained valuable experience engaging in the legislative process and a continued passion to advocate for sustainability initiatives.
Students at Issaquah High School in Issaquah School District did a faucet audit where they collected data from sinks around the school and identified several faucets with maintenance or aerator issues that could lead to wasted water. After collecting and analyzing data from sinks throughout the campus, they shared their findings to support needed repairs and improve water conservation efforts. Students also put up posters in school bathrooms so any sink issues could be easily reported.
Students at Sawyer Wood Elementary School in Kent School District promoted water conservation by placing reminder stickers near faucets encouraging students and staff to turn off water when not in use. Students also identified an irrigation leak on the school field and notified the custodian who worked with the district to address the issue. Through weekly announcements shared with the school, students continue to raise awareness about water conservation.
