The Victorian Government is making it mandatory for all government schools to audit their water use in an attempt to reduce unnecessary water usage and encourage efficient water use habits.

Roughly 400 schools have voluntarily taken part in the schools water efficiency program and on average, they have cut their water use by 13 per cent.

The program will cost $3-million, but the Education Minister, Bronwyn Pike, says it will pay for itself.

“Water audits are provided free to all schools then the costs of water saving initiatives are offset through future water bills,” she said.

“So the works are funded through the savings, they get credit, if you like, on those savings, and ultimately, of course, they’re providing a great service for our environment.”