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The Schools Water Efficiency Program (SWEP) is a free Victorian government initiative that helps Victorian primary and secondary schools track water use and detect leaks through digital metering technology.
SWEP also provides curriculum-aligned water efficiency education resources.
Data loggers installed through SWEP remain property of SWEP.
SWEP is a water use monitoring and leak alert program. It aims to provide schools with data so that staff can make informed asset management decisions and to take water efficient actions.
SWEP does not:
No. SWEP will only provide a maximum of 2 data loggers.
One data logger must be installed on the main water meter (if one exists).
The second data logger may be installed on a second main meter, sub (check) meter or other metered water source such as a rainwater tank. Installation of a second data logger is at the discretion of SWEP and will only be considered for areas that represent a significant amount of overall site water use.
Yes, SWEP is free for all primary and secondary schools. There are no upfront or on-going costs.
Between 2012 to 2025, there was an annual subscription fee of $150. Final invoices were issued to schools in 2025.
If you have an outstanding invoice for the 2025-26 billing period, these still need to be paid. This is the final invoice you will receive for annual subscription fees.
All Victorian primary and secondary schools, both government and non-government schools are eligible for SWEP.
Early childhood, tertiary or vocational education sites are not eligible for SWEP, but may be eligible for the following Victorian Government water efficiency programs:
No, SWEP does not offer energy monitoring or energy use alerts.
SWEP trialled energy use display on the SWEP web portal across 100 schools between 2014 and 2025. From 1 January 2025, the function was removed to avoid duplicating data already provided by energy retailers.
This allows SWEP to focus on delivering accurate water use insights and timely leak alerts to help schools save water and money.
Yes, SWEP will work with your water corporation to access data from the digital meter/data logger.
After you have received confirmation of successful registration, the SWEP Support Team will contact you to arrange and agree on a day and time for installation.
As a general guide, typical installation times are:
Installation takes as little as 10 minutes and water does not need to be shut off.
After the logger is installed, you will receive an email within 5 business days, with log-in details for the SWEP web portal, where you can view your school’s data.
SWEP identifies a leak when more than 100 litres of water is used overnight between the hours of 12:00AM to 1:00AM. This default leak detection setting assumes there is no water use during this time.
Automated leak alerts are sent to the school’s nominated email address/es in the following pattern:
The SWEP Support Team will contact the school by phone or email on the 14th day of an ongoing leak to check the email alerts have been received correctly and offer high-level advice on the school’s water data and use patterns.
If your school typically uses over 100 litres between 11:00PM and 12:00AM (e.g., outdoor irrigation), you can adjust the default leak alert setting by contacting the SWEP Support Team.
SWEP will work to ensure data transfers and leak alerts are transmitted and sent accurately and on time. However, technical issues beyond our control may cause delays or data gaps. We are not liable for any resulting loss, but we will make reasonable efforts to restore service and recover available data promptly.
Yes, contact the SWEP Support Team to modify the default leak detection settings.
Do a school walk-through to check for visible or audible signs of a leak, include damp ground/surfaces or water pooling. You can use SWEP’s Leak Checklist as a guide.
The most common, visible sources of water waste are:
No. The responsibility to find and fix leaks or faulty assets remains with the school. SWEP’s aim is to make water use data available to schools, to support the early identification of leaks. Please follow your school’s internal procedures in the event of a suspected leak or broken equipment.
SWEP was launched in 2012, in partnership between the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action and the Department of Education.
SWEP is currently funded and delivered by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.
No, you can sign up by simply completing the registration form at Sign Up page.
SWEP is a Victorian Government initiative, developed in partnership with Department of Education and delivered in collaboration with the Victorian urban water corporations.
SWEP has agreements in place with urban water corporations to install data loggers on its main water meters.
Complete the registration form here: Sign Up page
You will need the following to sign-up:
The SWEP team will contact you within 3 business days to confirm your registration and to arrange data logger installation.
