Water is life
Virtually everything we do or use each day involves
water. Yet, we do not give it the importance that is
due to it. India will soon be a water-stressed country
and we all need to work towards our water security.
Simple actions can be adopted to reduce the
wastage of water and use it wisely.

1
Water audit for
a school

2
CONTENTS
• INTRODUCTION
–
–
–
–
–

What is a Water Audit?
How does it help?
Importance of Water Audit
Myths
Audit types

• AUDIT PROCESS
– Conducting Audits – First Steps
– Measurements, Water Consumption
– Water consumption Pattern

• MOVING AHEAD
– Identifying and Fixing the Problem
– Water Conservation
– Awareness

3
Definition: Water Audit is a qualitative and quantitative
analysis of water consumption to identify means of

Reducing, Reusing and Recycling of water.

4

INTRODUCTION
AUDIT PROCESS
MOVING AHEAD
HOW DOES IT HELP?
• A water audit can help save money by reducing school water
bills
• Water conservation helps our cities – Cities are stressed for
water resources.
• A water audit will help reduce wastage and unnecessary use.
• It makes the students more aware and responsible.
• A water audit can be a student project that encompasses a
number of subjects
INTRODUCTION

5

AUDIT PROCESS
MOVING AHEAD
DID YOU KNOW?

It is possible to cut your
water usage by 10-30% by
implementing simple
conservation measures

6

INTRODUCTION
AUDIT PROCESS
MOVING AHEAD
IMPORTANCE OF WATER AUDIT

•
•

May yield some surprising results

•

Easier to work on solutions when the problems are identified

•

7

Systematic process

A tracking mechanism can be put into place

INTRODUCTION
AUDIT PROCESS
MOVING AHEAD
MYTHS
Doesn’t compromise on quality of water

Doesn’t make water a priority over studies

Doesn't require the student to stay beyond school hours

8

INTRODUCTION
AUDIT PROCESS
MOVING AHEAD
AUDIT PROCESS

9
AUDIT PROCESS
Measurements
Implementation

Calculations

Planning and process finalization

Zeroing in on conservation
steps that can be taken

10

Discussions

Audit observations

Report
INTRODUCTION
AUDIT PROCESS
MOVING AHEAD
Decide the time period of
your water audit

1 day/yr,
1 wk/yr,
1 month/yr,
1 day/Season

11

INTRODUCTION
AUDIT PROCESS
MOVING AHEAD
FIRST STEPS
MEASUREMENTS

12

INTRODUCTION
AUDIT PROCESS
MOVING AHEAD
MEASUREMENTS- SUPPLY

What are the sources of water for the school ?
•
•
•
•
•

13

Municipal supply
Bore well
Dug well
Tankers
Others
INTRODUCTION
AUDIT PROCESS
MOVING AHEAD
FIRST STEPS- MEASUREMENTS
Estimate the quantity of water supplied from each source
Bore well and Dug well supplies…
1. Measure flow rate ( time taken to fill a 10 litre
bucket at the outlet of the pump.)
2. Keep a track of number of hours the pump is on in a
day (record every day of the week for two weeks).
3. Use these two to calculate the quantity of water
withdrawn

15

INTRODUCTION
AUDIT PROCESS
MOVING AHEAD
MEASUREMENTS- SUPPLY
Estimate the quantity of water supplied from each source

Municipal Supply
Tabulate monthly municipal water supply (from bills)
for the past three years in the supply tracking sheet

For tankers….
Using bills, tabulate the amount of water received
on a monthly basis using the supply tracking sheet
Tabulate consumption patterns and depict
using graphical tools

14

INTRODUCTION
AUDIT PROCESS
MOVING AHEAD
FIRST STEPS- MEASUREMENTS
Map the water points and usage areas
• Draw a plan of the school premises showing the building and main features.
• Mark the water supply inlets and storage tanks

Municipal supply
Bore well
Dug well
Tankers

16

INTRODUCTION
AUDIT PROCESS
MOVING AHEAD
FIRST STEPS- MEASUREMENTS

•Mark all water points (toilets, hand wash points, Sinks in labs,
drinking water fountains, canteen, irrigation taps, water meters,
pumps etc.
•Identify each point with an alphanumeric code
•Colour code freshwater and waste water lines
• Mark where the waste water goes.
• Mark the storm water drain system in the premises, if any.

17

INTRODUCTION
AUDIT PROCESS
MOVING AHEAD
L- OUTLET

MUNCIPALITY SEWER

L- INLET

L1 L2 L3 L4 L5

DRAIN PIPE

GT1 GT2 GT3 GT4

BT- INLET

GT- INLET

LAB

BT- OUTLET
WASH

GT- OUTLET

WASH

BOYS TOILET

GIRLS TOILET

BT1 BT2
BT3 BT4

DRINKING
TAP

DN1
WATER INLET

GARDEN
WATER TANK

C- INLET

WATER TANK
Municipal supply
Bore well
Dug well
Tankers

CT1 CT2 CT3
C- OUTLET

PUMP HOUSE

UNDERGROUND SUMP

KITCHEN

DRAIN PIPE

18

INTRODUCTION
AUDIT PROCESS
MOVING AHEAD
FIRST
19 STEPS- MEASUREMENTS

DRAW A WATER FLOW CHART

Supply
Underground Sump
Overhead Tank

Washing
W1 W2 Wn

Toilets
T1 T2 Tn

Sewage

19

Gardening
G1 G2 Gn

Drinking
D1 D2 Dn

INTRODUCTION
AUDIT PROCESS
MOVING AHEAD
Calculations :
water
consumption
• Can you meter water consumption at various inlet
points?
• Meters are expensive.
• Can you purchase one meter and use it in rotation to
monitor water use at different locations?
• If you cannot afford a meter, use surveys, observations
and calculations

20

INTRODUCTION
AUDIT PROCESS
MOVING AHEAD
Calculations:
water consumption
Estimating Water use without a meter
Calculate the quantity of water that flows
out through each tap.
• Calculate the flow of water using a measuring jar
and a stop watch.
• Monitor / survey the time for which the tap is open
in a day.
• Fill this data in the consumption tracking sheet.

21

INTRODUCTION
AUDIT PROCESS
MOVING AHEAD
Calculations: Water Consumption

• To calculate flow of toilets, turn off the water supply to
the toilet, mark the water line on the inside of the tank,
flush and then fill the tank with water from mug.
• Measure the volume of one mug and record number of
mugs required to fill water back up to the water line mark.
• Monitor / survey the number of times each toilet is used.
•Fill this data in the consumption tracking sheet.

22

INTRODUCTION
AUDIT PROCESS
MOVING AHEAD
INTRODUCTION
AUDIT PROCESS
MOVING AHEAD

Calculations:
water consumption

Estimating Water use without a meter
• Follow similar procedures to estimate water use at each water
outlet.
• The consumption tracking sheet will help you calculate the
total quantity of water used in a day.

23
AUDIT OBSERVATIONS

24
SUPPLY INPUT

Speak to the person in charge of the
water valves and pumps.
• Is water usage planned or is pump switched on when water
levels in the tank are low?
• What monitoring mechanisms are in place to check tank overflow?
• How often does the tank overflow?
• How much water is wasted each time the tank overflows?

25

INTRODUCTION
AUDIT PROCESS
MOVING AHEAD
FIXTURES AND FITTINGS
• At each water outlet point
make a note of:
• Type of fixture (dual flush toilet, capacity
of flush tank, type of tap spring-loaded /
screw type / lever, etc.)
• Notice condition of fixtures – dirty,
stuck, leaking, broken etc.

26

INTRODUCTION
AUDIT PROCESS
MOVING AHEAD
ANALYSIS

27

AND REPORT
WATER
CONSUMPTION
PATTERN
When tabulating the consumption patterns, you may come
across varied results from the normal.

28

INTRODUCTION
AUDIT PROCESS
MOVING AHEAD
28

Consumption of water in winter may be less
Consumption of water in summer just before the holidays
may be high
Rainy season – you might not consume water for
gardening purpose
Exams, Weekends and Holidays – water consumption
is likely to be less

29

Allow for variations due to the above reasons when
you are analysing the tabulated results

INTRODUCTION
AUDIT PROCESS
MOVING AHEAD
INTRODUCTION
AUDIT PROCESS
MOVING AHEAD

Quantify water use in a Flowchart
Supply
X
Underground Sump

Overhead Tank
Y = ?X
0.4Y

0.3Y

0.25Y

Washing

Toilets

Gardening

Drinking
Leaks

Leaks

30

0.05Y

Sewage
INTRODUCTION
AUDIT PROCESS
MOVING AHEAD

IS THERE A PROBLEM?

Ideal scenario : no losses
Average scenario : 15 – 30% losses
There is a problem : losses > 30%
31
MOVING AHEAD

DISCUSSIONS
AND TAKING THE RIGHT STEPS

32
FIRST, FIX THE PROBLEMS
Leaks and overflow
• Identify the points where there are losses
• Identify the solutions
• Assign the responsibility for implementation.
• Implement the solutions
• Prepare a Monitoring schedule
• Assign a person for monitoring.

33

INTRODUCTION
AUDIT PROCESS
MOVING AHEAD
WAYS TO
CONSERVE
WATER
1. Represent water
usage graphically
2. Identify areas where
water can be conserved

34

3. Conduct
Group discussions
and brainstorming sessions

4. List down your
Suggestions for each area
where water is used

INTRODUCTION
AUDIT PROCESS
MOVING AHEAD
WAYS TO CONSERVE WATER

Garden
Keep a check on hoses in the garden
Try out efficient devices like the spray nozzles
Drip Irrigation
Plant native plants that require less water
Change the ground surfaces and vegetation to control run
off in the school grounds
Water the roots of the plant and don't splash water all around

35

INTRODUCTION
AUDIT PROCESS
MOVING AHEAD
WAYS TO CONSERVE WATER

Toilets and washing points
• Reduce the flush water volume in toilets.
• Replace single flush cisterns with dual
flush
• Install low flow fixtures for taps.
Install a rainwater harvesting system and use the
water for toilets, cleaning floors and gardening.

36

INTRODUCTION
AUDIT PROCESS
MOVING AHEAD
Suggest solutions for these
spaces.
TOILET

LAB

Can the water from the wash
area be diverted to the garden
area for watering the plants ?

37

WASH
INTRODUCTION
AUDIT PROCESS
MOVING AHEAD
AWARENESS
1. Create interesting
awareness programmes.

2. Praise the water audit
and water conservation
teams during assembly.

38

3. Request students not to
play with water taps.
INTRODUCTION
AUDIT PROCESS
MOVING AHEAD
DARWIN ADVISES
• Analyze your situation
for the pieces that fit.
• Everything evolves, including
water conservation programs.
• Learn from other schools what
works and what doesn’t.

39

• Document….document….
to disseminate it to others.

INTRODUCTION
AUDIT PROCESS
MOVING AHEAD

School Wateraudit

  • 1.
    Water is life Virtuallyeverything we do or use each day involves water. Yet, we do not give it the importance that is due to it. India will soon be a water-stressed country and we all need to work towards our water security. Simple actions can be adopted to reduce the wastage of water and use it wisely. 1
  • 2.
  • 3.
    CONTENTS • INTRODUCTION – – – – – What isa Water Audit? How does it help? Importance of Water Audit Myths Audit types • AUDIT PROCESS – Conducting Audits – First Steps – Measurements, Water Consumption – Water consumption Pattern • MOVING AHEAD – Identifying and Fixing the Problem – Water Conservation – Awareness 3
  • 4.
    Definition: Water Auditis a qualitative and quantitative analysis of water consumption to identify means of Reducing, Reusing and Recycling of water. 4 INTRODUCTION AUDIT PROCESS MOVING AHEAD
  • 5.
    HOW DOES ITHELP? • A water audit can help save money by reducing school water bills • Water conservation helps our cities – Cities are stressed for water resources. • A water audit will help reduce wastage and unnecessary use. • It makes the students more aware and responsible. • A water audit can be a student project that encompasses a number of subjects INTRODUCTION 5 AUDIT PROCESS MOVING AHEAD
  • 6.
    DID YOU KNOW? Itis possible to cut your water usage by 10-30% by implementing simple conservation measures 6 INTRODUCTION AUDIT PROCESS MOVING AHEAD
  • 7.
    IMPORTANCE OF WATERAUDIT • • May yield some surprising results • Easier to work on solutions when the problems are identified • 7 Systematic process A tracking mechanism can be put into place INTRODUCTION AUDIT PROCESS MOVING AHEAD
  • 8.
    MYTHS Doesn’t compromise onquality of water Doesn’t make water a priority over studies Doesn't require the student to stay beyond school hours 8 INTRODUCTION AUDIT PROCESS MOVING AHEAD
  • 9.
  • 10.
    AUDIT PROCESS Measurements Implementation Calculations Planning andprocess finalization Zeroing in on conservation steps that can be taken 10 Discussions Audit observations Report INTRODUCTION AUDIT PROCESS MOVING AHEAD
  • 11.
    Decide the timeperiod of your water audit 1 day/yr, 1 wk/yr, 1 month/yr, 1 day/Season 11 INTRODUCTION AUDIT PROCESS MOVING AHEAD
  • 12.
  • 13.
    MEASUREMENTS- SUPPLY What arethe sources of water for the school ? • • • • • 13 Municipal supply Bore well Dug well Tankers Others INTRODUCTION AUDIT PROCESS MOVING AHEAD
  • 14.
    FIRST STEPS- MEASUREMENTS Estimatethe quantity of water supplied from each source Bore well and Dug well supplies… 1. Measure flow rate ( time taken to fill a 10 litre bucket at the outlet of the pump.) 2. Keep a track of number of hours the pump is on in a day (record every day of the week for two weeks). 3. Use these two to calculate the quantity of water withdrawn 15 INTRODUCTION AUDIT PROCESS MOVING AHEAD
  • 15.
    MEASUREMENTS- SUPPLY Estimate thequantity of water supplied from each source Municipal Supply Tabulate monthly municipal water supply (from bills) for the past three years in the supply tracking sheet For tankers…. Using bills, tabulate the amount of water received on a monthly basis using the supply tracking sheet Tabulate consumption patterns and depict using graphical tools 14 INTRODUCTION AUDIT PROCESS MOVING AHEAD
  • 16.
    FIRST STEPS- MEASUREMENTS Mapthe water points and usage areas • Draw a plan of the school premises showing the building and main features. • Mark the water supply inlets and storage tanks Municipal supply Bore well Dug well Tankers 16 INTRODUCTION AUDIT PROCESS MOVING AHEAD
  • 17.
    FIRST STEPS- MEASUREMENTS •Markall water points (toilets, hand wash points, Sinks in labs, drinking water fountains, canteen, irrigation taps, water meters, pumps etc. •Identify each point with an alphanumeric code •Colour code freshwater and waste water lines • Mark where the waste water goes. • Mark the storm water drain system in the premises, if any. 17 INTRODUCTION AUDIT PROCESS MOVING AHEAD
  • 18.
    L- OUTLET MUNCIPALITY SEWER L-INLET L1 L2 L3 L4 L5 DRAIN PIPE GT1 GT2 GT3 GT4 BT- INLET GT- INLET LAB BT- OUTLET WASH GT- OUTLET WASH BOYS TOILET GIRLS TOILET BT1 BT2 BT3 BT4 DRINKING TAP DN1 WATER INLET GARDEN WATER TANK C- INLET WATER TANK Municipal supply Bore well Dug well Tankers CT1 CT2 CT3 C- OUTLET PUMP HOUSE UNDERGROUND SUMP KITCHEN DRAIN PIPE 18 INTRODUCTION AUDIT PROCESS MOVING AHEAD
  • 19.
    FIRST 19 STEPS- MEASUREMENTS DRAWA WATER FLOW CHART Supply Underground Sump Overhead Tank Washing W1 W2 Wn Toilets T1 T2 Tn Sewage 19 Gardening G1 G2 Gn Drinking D1 D2 Dn INTRODUCTION AUDIT PROCESS MOVING AHEAD
  • 20.
    Calculations : water consumption • Canyou meter water consumption at various inlet points? • Meters are expensive. • Can you purchase one meter and use it in rotation to monitor water use at different locations? • If you cannot afford a meter, use surveys, observations and calculations 20 INTRODUCTION AUDIT PROCESS MOVING AHEAD
  • 21.
    Calculations: water consumption Estimating Wateruse without a meter Calculate the quantity of water that flows out through each tap. • Calculate the flow of water using a measuring jar and a stop watch. • Monitor / survey the time for which the tap is open in a day. • Fill this data in the consumption tracking sheet. 21 INTRODUCTION AUDIT PROCESS MOVING AHEAD
  • 22.
    Calculations: Water Consumption •To calculate flow of toilets, turn off the water supply to the toilet, mark the water line on the inside of the tank, flush and then fill the tank with water from mug. • Measure the volume of one mug and record number of mugs required to fill water back up to the water line mark. • Monitor / survey the number of times each toilet is used. •Fill this data in the consumption tracking sheet. 22 INTRODUCTION AUDIT PROCESS MOVING AHEAD
  • 23.
    INTRODUCTION AUDIT PROCESS MOVING AHEAD Calculations: waterconsumption Estimating Water use without a meter • Follow similar procedures to estimate water use at each water outlet. • The consumption tracking sheet will help you calculate the total quantity of water used in a day. 23
  • 24.
  • 25.
    SUPPLY INPUT Speak tothe person in charge of the water valves and pumps. • Is water usage planned or is pump switched on when water levels in the tank are low? • What monitoring mechanisms are in place to check tank overflow? • How often does the tank overflow? • How much water is wasted each time the tank overflows? 25 INTRODUCTION AUDIT PROCESS MOVING AHEAD
  • 26.
    FIXTURES AND FITTINGS •At each water outlet point make a note of: • Type of fixture (dual flush toilet, capacity of flush tank, type of tap spring-loaded / screw type / lever, etc.) • Notice condition of fixtures – dirty, stuck, leaking, broken etc. 26 INTRODUCTION AUDIT PROCESS MOVING AHEAD
  • 27.
  • 28.
    WATER CONSUMPTION PATTERN When tabulating theconsumption patterns, you may come across varied results from the normal. 28 INTRODUCTION AUDIT PROCESS MOVING AHEAD
  • 29.
    28 Consumption of waterin winter may be less Consumption of water in summer just before the holidays may be high Rainy season – you might not consume water for gardening purpose Exams, Weekends and Holidays – water consumption is likely to be less 29 Allow for variations due to the above reasons when you are analysing the tabulated results INTRODUCTION AUDIT PROCESS MOVING AHEAD
  • 30.
    INTRODUCTION AUDIT PROCESS MOVING AHEAD Quantifywater use in a Flowchart Supply X Underground Sump Overhead Tank Y = ?X 0.4Y 0.3Y 0.25Y Washing Toilets Gardening Drinking Leaks Leaks 30 0.05Y Sewage
  • 31.
    INTRODUCTION AUDIT PROCESS MOVING AHEAD ISTHERE A PROBLEM? Ideal scenario : no losses Average scenario : 15 – 30% losses There is a problem : losses > 30% 31
  • 32.
  • 33.
    FIRST, FIX THEPROBLEMS Leaks and overflow • Identify the points where there are losses • Identify the solutions • Assign the responsibility for implementation. • Implement the solutions • Prepare a Monitoring schedule • Assign a person for monitoring. 33 INTRODUCTION AUDIT PROCESS MOVING AHEAD
  • 34.
    WAYS TO CONSERVE WATER 1. Representwater usage graphically 2. Identify areas where water can be conserved 34 3. Conduct Group discussions and brainstorming sessions 4. List down your Suggestions for each area where water is used INTRODUCTION AUDIT PROCESS MOVING AHEAD
  • 35.
    WAYS TO CONSERVEWATER Garden Keep a check on hoses in the garden Try out efficient devices like the spray nozzles Drip Irrigation Plant native plants that require less water Change the ground surfaces and vegetation to control run off in the school grounds Water the roots of the plant and don't splash water all around 35 INTRODUCTION AUDIT PROCESS MOVING AHEAD
  • 36.
    WAYS TO CONSERVEWATER Toilets and washing points • Reduce the flush water volume in toilets. • Replace single flush cisterns with dual flush • Install low flow fixtures for taps. Install a rainwater harvesting system and use the water for toilets, cleaning floors and gardening. 36 INTRODUCTION AUDIT PROCESS MOVING AHEAD
  • 37.
    Suggest solutions forthese spaces. TOILET LAB Can the water from the wash area be diverted to the garden area for watering the plants ? 37 WASH INTRODUCTION AUDIT PROCESS MOVING AHEAD
  • 38.
    AWARENESS 1. Create interesting awarenessprogrammes. 2. Praise the water audit and water conservation teams during assembly. 38 3. Request students not to play with water taps. INTRODUCTION AUDIT PROCESS MOVING AHEAD
  • 39.
    DARWIN ADVISES • Analyzeyour situation for the pieces that fit. • Everything evolves, including water conservation programs. • Learn from other schools what works and what doesn’t. 39 • Document….document…. to disseminate it to others. INTRODUCTION AUDIT PROCESS MOVING AHEAD

Editor's Notes

  • #22 To calculate flow for taps turn taps to the normal flow rate that you use, hold a container under the tap for 10 seconds measure the quantity of water in the container. Quantity of water in 10 sec = x