Arabic version: مدرسة دنسبرغ الابتدائية تواجه أزمة فاتورة مياه بقيمة 130 ألف دولار

Dunsborough Primary School is grappling with a staggering annual water bill that has surpassed $135,000, significantly more than the costs incurred by nearby schools. According to ABC News, the school, located about 250 kilometers south of Perth and serving around 700 students, has seen its water expenses consistently exceed $100,000, placing a strain on resources intended for educational programs.

Barb Black, the chair of the school board, expressed concern over the financial burden, stating that the costs are diverting funds from essential student support services, intervention programs, and staff development. She highlighted that a recent bill for the December–January period amounted to $21,000, despite the school being closed for 42 days during that time.

The school has implemented several water-saving measures, including rainwater tanks and automatic taps, in an effort to curb consumption. However, these initiatives have not sufficiently reduced the high costs. Black noted that the school relies primarily on a single slow-releasing bore for its water supply, which meets less than 25% of its needs. This reliance forces the school to purchase additional water to maintain its grounds, leading to inflated expenses.

Local MP Libby Mettam criticized the current water pricing structure, stating that Dunsborough Primary is paying three to four times more than other schools of similar size. She suggested that a takeover of water assets by Busselton Water could help alleviate the financial strain, alongside calls for the government to provide a non-potable water supply to the school.

In response to the ongoing issue, a spokesperson for the WA government confirmed that they are investigating the high water costs and acknowledged the long-standing concerns at Dunsborough Primary. They noted that the Department of Education and Water Corporation are collaborating with the school to implement further water efficiency measures aimed at reducing both consumption and costs.