Educating the next generation about the value of water is a core part of our commitment to a sustainable future. Through our primary school engagement programme, AquaSmart, we’re helping children understand where their water comes from and how small changes at home can make a big difference to the environment. We’re also engaging schools on how they can save water too. Through specialist visits, we’ll assess schools infrastructure, fix minor leaks and install water-saving devices.
Our highlights
Working alongside our specialist delivery partner, Groundwork, we have significantly scaled up our school outreach this year. So far this academic year, we have completed water-saving visits to 109 schools across Kent and Sussex, with many more scheduled to take place in the coming weeks, saving schools thousands of litres of water. Our water-saving visits are showing considerable signs of success: schools are now saving on average 1,500 litres of water a day. We have fitted a total of 905 water-saving devices, such as tap aerators and fixed 145 leaks so far in the schools.
In April 2026, we carried out a water-saving visit at Binsted Church of England Primary School. Our technicians assessed all internal fittings and checked for hidden leaks on the school grounds and installed 10 water-efficient tap inserts. As a result of the audit, the school demonstrated an immediate saving of 510 litres a day!
Our school engagement programme centres around in-person sessions that are designed to be hands-on and high-energy.
Led by our Water Efficiency Education Lead, Thomas Harvey, the programme introduces pupils to the "Aquanauts" (our water-saving heroes Kai, Isla, and Nero) who guide them through interactive missions. From taking on the "four-minute shower challenge" to learning about the water cycle. Children leave our sessions with practical tips and their very own AquaSmart activity packs.
Beyond the classroom, we also look for unique ways to support local school communities.
We recently partnered with Snodland Primary School to support their F1 in Schools club. By sponsoring their club, we helped provide the resources they needed to design, engineer, and race their own model Formula One cars. This partnership allowed us to blend STEM education with our messages about sustainability and resourcefulness.
“We are extremely grateful for this sponsorship, which has enabled our children to progress to the National STEM in Racing Competition. The support from South East Water plays a significant role in making this possible. Thank you again for all your support - we cannot run this without you and provide these amazing opportunities.”
- Lisa Higgins, Head Teacher - Snodland Church of England Primary School
We’re also delighted to be partnering with Sutton East Surrey (SES) Water to provide children who are in our supply area the opportunity to visit their Flow Zone. This is an interactive space where children can get a 'behind the scenes' look at how water treatment works to discover how water is made safe to drink and discover ways they can support the environment through making sensible choices with their water use.
Growing for the future
While AquaSmart is currently focused on Key Stage 1, we are not stopping there. Following the success of our recent pilots, we are expanding our online portal and developing new materials for Key Stage 2 and beyond. Our goal is to ensure that every child in our region grows up with the knowledge they need to protect our precious water resources.
Find out more: Schools can find out more about we’re supporting the next generation of water-saving ambassadors here(opens in a new tab).