Water Literacy programme launches

Waterwise, Northumbrian Water and Groundwork have launched a new programme to train people to become ‘water literate’.

The one-day equivalent, online or in-person course covers topics including water and climate change and water supply and treatment processes, and is designed to equip learners to make meaningful changes in their own lives.

The initial programme will run as a workplace course supporting professional development. The first 2,000 to register will receive the training free of charge.

More widely, the Water Literacy programme seeks to build a community of change-makers. Jo Osborn, deputy head of policy and public affairs at Waterwise said: “The Water Literacy programme has the potential to be much more than a course. You won’t just leave with a wealth of knowledge, being accredited as water literate empowers you to lead colleagues, support communities, and influence your industry to consciously adopt a sustainable water-use approach. Our collective actions create ripples, turning into waves of change, reshaping practices, policies, and perceptions of water where we live and work.”

Jane Herbert, Water Literacy programme manager at Groundwork, said: “At Groundwork we have been training people to become carbon literate for a few years and it was evident water was the missing link. Climate change and water scarcity are intrinsically linked, yet we found low awareness in many sectors about the value of water and how, as individuals and communities we can take meaningful action to address the issue.” 

The programme has been developed with support from the Ofwat Innovation Fund. To find out more, please visit www.waterliteracy.uk