Setting a water-use baseline for your school

Choose measurements that suit the school

As a starting framework, compare occupied weekdays, weekends, holidays and quiet overnight periods. Add separate records for substantial uses such as boarding or a pool where they affect interpretation. These are suggested categories, not a universal technical standard.

Use repeated observations rather than one reading. Record units, dates, elapsed time, meter identity and the activities taking place. Keep enough precision to detect changes that matter for that supply.

Record changes rather than erasing them

After an investigation or repair, establish a new comparison period while retaining earlier records. Note what changed and whether the outcome was checked. A lower reading can support evidence of improvement, but differences in occupancy or weather may also affect it.

Revise the baseline when buildings, equipment or schedules change. If a suspected loss is unresolved, label the current record accordingly rather than treating it as an acceptable target.

Make the record usable by others

Store the readings and activity notes in the school’s shared estate records. Assign responsibility for reviewing changes and keeping the information current. Across a trust, use consistent units and definitions while retaining each school’s operating context.