No ifs or ‘butts’ for local schools

As pupils return to the classroom, many schools are seeking to improve their outdoor learning environments to enhance pupil wellbeing and mental health alongside improving the sustainability of the school grounds.

Waterbutts are a great way to do this as they harvest rainwater, which can then be used to water plants or wash windows.

The school received their waterbutt as part of their participation in NI Water’s World Water Day celebrations which took place in March.

Waterbutts are a great way of collecting rainwater, which can then be used to water plants encouraging pupils to save water and look after the natural environment.

A spokesperson for NI Water said: “We get plenty of rain in Northern Ireland but this rainwater has to be cleaned at our treatment works before it goes into the taps.

“Using a waterbutt to catch the rain is just one way we can all have play a part to ensure there’s enough water for everyone now and in the future.

“You’d be surprised how much water we all use on a daily basis, 155 litres per person sounds like a lot, however, much of that is sent back down the drain.

“Why not get water fit and try our new online water audit at https://www.getwaterfit.co.uk to see just how water wise you are and receive free water saving items such as four minute shower timers, leaky loo strips and toothy timers for the little one.”

Meanwhile, pupils and staff at DH Christie Memorial PS, Coleraine have joined the refillution, pledging to reduce single use plastic water bottles within the school.

NI Water provided all pupils and staff at the school with free reusable water bottles to encourage pupils to refill them with tap water and therefore reduce the amount of single use plastic bottles that could potentially end up polluting our seas.

Any school or group who would like to join the #refillution should contact [email protected]