Water enjoyment for schools: This is how children learn how to use it correctly!

Water enjoyment for schools: This is how children learn how to use it correctly!

Water is life – and the new school project “Trinkpass 2025” is all about this precious resource! In an impressive initiative, the Austrian Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Regions and Water Management, together with AQA GmbH, is calling on schools from all over the country to creatively address the issue of water. Water Minister Norbert Totschnig emphasizes how important it is to sensitize students from a young age to the conscious use of drinking water. “Only if we value our water and know enough can we make a contribution to protecting our drinking water,” explains Totschnig, making it clear that every contribution counts. The competition aims to promote awareness of the value of this resource and teach students how they can actively improve their water consumption, such as through pollution-free drinking and responsible water use.

With creativity to water treasure

This year, students can showcase their favorite “water treasures” in two categories: drawing and video. The submissions should not only be artistic, but also show your own water drinking habits, which you can track in a water drinking table. With an exciting annual theme like “Water good – everything is good!” The initiative increases the focus on conscious water consumption and the importance of water conservation. References to simple measures - such as shorter shower times or turning off the tap when brushing your teeth - illustrate how students can actively contribute to climate protection and how important water is for our environment and health. Drinking passes are delivered to schools free of charge and terms and conditions are specifically designed to encourage student curiosity and engagement. Submissions can be made until World Environment Day, June 5, 2025.

The project is supported by several regional waterworks, including the water management associations of the Triestingtal and Südbahn communities and the Innsbruck municipal companies, which are helping to make the drinking pass known within their communities. “Together with the Austrian Association for the Gas and Water Industry (ÖVGW), we want to promote safe and responsible behavior when dealing with this valuable resource,” continued Totschnig. Interested schools can request the “My Drinking Pass” folder free of charge or download it from the youth water platform www.genblue.at, where they can find all the information they need to actively participate in the competition.