During a recent after-school team meeting, the students kicked things off with a guessing game. Working in small groups, they estimated how much water they use to wash their hands, brush their teeth, and take a shower. Gallon jugs and water bottles helped bring those guesses to life — and set the stage for a few surprised reactions.
Next came "Drops of Knowledge." Students learned how much water the average person actually uses for everyday activities when the water is left running, and then held up gallon jugs to visualize it. A short shower versus a long one? Big difference (5 minutes = about 10 gallons; 20 minutes = 40 gallons). Brushing teeth with the tap on? More water than most expected (2 minutes = about 4 gallons). The hands-on visuals helped the lesson stick.
The session also featured two real-life Water Wise Superheroes: Cody Cartwright, Assistant Project Manager of Jacobs, DSD's bond construction partner; and Jake Harvey, a Facilities Engineer with Veregy, the district’s sustainability projects partner. The duo arrived with a case full of shiny plumbing equipment and explained how older toilets, faucets, and flushing systems use far more water than modern, efficient fixtures. Students were fascinated by how small parts can make a big difference.
Harvey also shared the big picture: by upgrading bathroom faucets, toilet and urinal valves, toilets, and showerheads across district schools, Durango School District is expected to save nearly 10 million gallons of water each year — enough to fill 15 Olympic swimming pools. Those upgrades are already underway at schools across the district, thanks to voter support for the 2024 Investing in Our Schools Bond.
Then it was game time again. During the “Speedy Shower Game,” students were showered with shiny blue pom poms — each one representing water — to see how quickly they could finish a shower. One student, after learning that a 20-minute shower can use about 40 gallons of water, summed it up simply: “I guess I can take shorter showers.”
The session wrapped up with some real science. Students tested an older classroom faucet against a newly retrofitted sink using bowls, timers, and plenty of enthusiasm. After pouring the collected water into gallon jugs and marking the levels, the results were clear: the new sinks used about half as much water for handwashing. The bathroom echoed with excitement — and a little splashing — as students saw the difference for themselves.
The lesson tied directly into Durango School District’s commitment to protecting and preserving our environment, especially during a dry winter with limited snowfall. It also highlighted how bond-funded investments translate into real savings for the community and meaningful learning for students.
Durango School District supports Green Teams at each school as an after-school opportunity for students to learn, lead, and take action. Green Teams focus on reducing waste, recycling, conserving energy, and creating greener school spaces through fun, hands-on projects — often with movement, collaboration, and a whole lot of curiosity.
Because when students learn that every drop counts, they don’t just listen — they act.
