Schools leak detection and support program guidelines

The Schools Leak Detection and Support Program provides financial assistance to primary and secondary schools in our region that participate in the Schools Water Efficiency Program (SWEP). It aims to support SWEP schools to locate and fix difficult or major leaks, as well as improve water efficiency within the school grounds.

This page outlines the terms and conditions of the program as well as our guidelines for assessment.

Who can apply?

The support program is only available to schools who participate in SWEP and are connected to our mains drinking water supply.

Subject to our discretion, the following schools are not eligible for assistance under this program:

• schools located outside of Barwon Water’s service area
• schools with outstanding debt to Barwon Water and not under hardship.

We actively encourage schools in our region to participate in SWEP. It is a free program and schools can register at any time.

Schools that request hardship support and/or a water bill concession are encouraged to participate in SWEP.

A school will be eligible to participate in this program and receive financial support immediately after their SWEP registration is received.

Schools can register for SWEP at www.myswep.com.au

Annual rebate

An annual rebate of $500 is available to assist SWEP schools with high water usage (higher than usual water bill) detected via a SWEP data logger, to engage a plumbing service to find and fix the issue.

Schools can apply for one rebate per year which will be deducted from the school’s water bill.

SWEP grant

A SWEP Grant is available for 50% of major plumbing works and/or to install water efficient fixtures & fittings within the school grounds, up to a maximum $2,500.

One grant is available per school during the period to 30 June 2023 and may be used to subsidise plumbing costs, access a difficult leak or purchase and install approved water efficient fixtures & fittings.

Details of approved fixtures and fittings are listed below.

Application and assessment

Applications will be assessed case-by-case against these general guidelines and specific criteria.

Applications that do not meet the assessment criteria may be considered under our exemption process.

SWEP rebate criteria

To be eligible for a $500 rebate, schools must meet the following criteria:

• high water use detected by SWEP data logger and alert/s received by school
• school unable to resolve the issue themselves and multiple SWEP high use alerts received
• contact made with Barwon Water and school water use compared to a similar time frame for the previous year
• plumber contracted by school to assist with leak detection
• plumber is able to fix the problem and the leak is resolved.

Invoices for proof of works must be attached with the rebate / grant application form.

SWEP grant criteria

In addition to the rebate criteria, schools should also meet the following criteria to be eligible for a grant:

• plumber and/or specialist leak detection service contracted by school
• leak located in a difficult to access area of the school eg. under hard playing surface or building and requires site excavation and/or extensive plumbing services
• school engages contractor to complete plumbing works to rectify the issue
• and/or new water efficient appliances are purchased and installed by school, eg. drinking water fountains, dual flush toilets, details below
• and/or plumbing works to substitute mains drinking water with an alternate water supply such as rainwater are completed by the school, eg. rainwater tank to toilet connections, details below.

Invoices for proof of works and/or purchase of water efficient fixtures & fittings must be attached with the Rebate/Grant Application Form.

Additionally, rebate and grant applications must meet the following minimum requirements:

• the works must be supported by the appropriate regulations, licenses, permits and certificates
• new fixtures and fittings must be permanent

Other considerations may also include the location of the school (low socio-economic/regional area), type of school (public or independent) and the water supply system.

Schools may apply for one, or both, the rebate and grant and are encouraged to discuss their application with Barwon Water prior to submission.

All rebates and grants will be documented and records kept in accordance with our record keeping policies.

Any personal information provided as part of an application process will be managed in accordance with our privacy charter.

The information collected will not be used for any other purpose than that of this program.

Ineligible applications

Financial assistance will not be provided under this program for:

• incomplete applications
• applications addressing bankruptcy, insolvency or liquidation problems

Schools will be contacted if an application is deemed ineligible and will be provided with feedback and advice if they wish to resubmit their application.

Conditions

The program is funded by a commitment we made in our 2018-2023 Price Submission to support water efficiency initiatives. Limited dollars are available for this program as part of our 2019-2023 Sustainable Water Use Plan, SWEP Program. Available funding will be reviewed on an annual basis.

Financial support available for 2019-2020 includes:

• rebate assistance for up to 20 schools
• grant assistance for up to 15 schools

Schools that receive financial support as part of this program will not be eligible for any further concessions from Barwon Water during that financial year.

It is the responsibility of the school to engage an appropriate plumbing service to undertake works at the school. Barwon Water takes no responsibility for the plumbing service engaged or the quality of works undertaken at the school, including any issues that may arise as a result of the works.

Payments will be made upon receipt of an application form and invoices as evidence that the work has been completed. Schools that receive support through this program are required to acknowledge Barwon Water and agree to participate in any media promotion as arranged by us.

How to apply

Applications for the Schools Leak Detection and Support Program are welcome year-round.

To obtain an application form please contact the Community Education Adviser via email swep@barwonwater.vic.gov.au.

Successful schools will be advised in writing within 30 days of submitting an application.

Unsuccessful schools will also be notified in writing and are encouraged to re-apply in subsequent funding rounds.

Further information

The Community Education Adviser can provide further advice and assistance with applications and can be contacted via email swep@barwonwater.vic.gov.au