Schools across Victoria are being supported to use water more efficiently by detecting leaks early and teaching water saving habits to children through the Schools Water Efficiency Program (SWEP).
The SWEP program is now free for every primary and secondary school campus in Victoria, meaning schools will have easier access to water and cost saving support.
In 2025 the award-winning SWEP program saved Victorian schools almost half a billion litres of water and $2.7 million in avoided water and wastewater charges. That’s equivalent to about 228 Olympic-sized swimming pools and over $1,500 in bill savings per school.
Over half of all Victorian schools have now joined the $10.5 million program which is working towards signing up 100% of government schools by 2030.
SWEP helps schools identify water leaks through innovative digital monitoring technology. Staff and students can also view their school’s water use in near real-time through the user-friendly and interactive SWEP web portal.
SWEP data indicates that almost a quarter of the water schools are paying for is due to leaks and other forms of water waste. 30% of these are 'hidden leaks' that are not visible – SWEP alerts schools to these early, before extensive water loss or damage.
Since 2012, SWEP has saved schools 11 billion litres of water equating to $39.8 million in avoided water and wastewater charges.
To find out more information and to register for SWEP, visit the Schools Water Efficiency Program website.
Page last updated: 26/03/26