Providencia and Renca launch water conservation pilot in schools

The municipalities of Providencia and Renca, in collaboration with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), have implemented a pilot program to promote responsible water use in municipal educational institutions. Using a US$35,000 fund from the IDB Cities Hub, the initiative utilized technology and educational strategies across six schools to encourage environmental stewardship and behavioral change.

The project employed low-cost technological solutions, including real-time monitoring systems and greywater reuse setups. At the Juana Atala de Hirmas School in Renca, a daily sonic alert regarding water performance contributed to a 46.5% reduction in consumption. In Providencia, the monitoring system at Liceo Carmela Carvajal identified a leak losing approximately 500 liters per day, allowing for a rapid response.

Additionally, the pilot incorporated greywater recycling systems at Liceo Arturo Alessandri Palma in Providencia and Escuela José Luis Araneda in Renca. These systems capture, filter, and store water from washbasins for use in toilet flushing and irrigation.