After an all-too-short winter break, Calgary students will have more than school work to keep in mind this week.
With the city under Stage 4 Water Restrictions, operating 25 million litres above the sustainable target set out by the City of Calgary, both the Calgary Board of Education (CBE) and Calgary Catholic School District (CCSD) are urging students and families to do their part in conserving water.
In a message shared with CBE staff today, administration recommended the following steps to minimize water usage both at school and at home:
- Using brooms and brushes over water cleaning methods;
- Reducing the use of floor cleaning machines – spot wash when necessary;
- Emptying water bottles into plant pots so the water can be reused;
- Submitting work requests to repair equipment in need of maintenance to: Fix leaking taps and toilets; and Address leaks from appliances like refrigerators, freezers and dishwashers
- Minimizing water loss during classroom activities (water tables, etc.), food prep and cleaning;
- Using the dishwasher and washing machine only when required and with full loads;
- Turning off the tap when washing hands;
- Turning off humidifiers and ice machines;
- Suspending the washing of vehicles and buses until the restrictions are lifted;
- Scraping your plate clean rather than rinsing off food;
- Washing vegetables and fruit in a partially filled sink or pot and then rinsing them quickly; and
- Keeping a jug of drinking water in the fridge. Don’t run the tap to get ice-cold water.
All school washroom usage, flushing and handwashing will continue as normal as this cannot be altered due to AHS requirements, according to a staff-issued CBE statement.
“The CBE will follow direction from the Calgary Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) for any impact on schools. While this situation is not ideal, students and staff are safe, and at this time, schools continue to be open. We thank you for your assistance as we comply with the City of Calgary’s critical water supply alert,” the statement reads.
Similarly, the CCSD said they will follow all City of Calgary water restrictions, while ensuring the well-being of students and staff.
According to a statement, the CCSD will encourage students and staff to conserve water at home and at school, including turning off taps after use, reporting and fixing any leaks or running toilets and limiting unnecessary water use in classrooms, kitchens and gyms.
The District has also relayed city messaging, limiting showers to under three minutes, flushing toilets only when necessary and running dishwashers and washing machines only when full, at home.
