Southampton students' water-saving idea is brought to life

An inspired team of Southampton schoolgirls has seen its plans for a unique water-saving experience brought to life.

The World’s Smallest Water Museum was designed by students from Sholing Technology College as part of a new educational programme run by Southern Water and the Design Council.

Their winning idea was an interactive Portaloo that quizzes visitors on how much water different household appliances use and gives out water-saving tips. The students worked closely with social design agency Common Ground to build the museum and even travelled to its design studio in Hackney to make the finishing touches to the talking toilet.

The museum was officially opened by John Denham, MP for Southampton Itchen, at an event attended by parents, school governors, local councillors and educationalists. Mr Denham said: “I am incredibly impressed with the work the students have done, working with professional designers to achieve success at the highest level. It shows what young people are capable of when given the right support and opportunity.”

The team from Sholing will present the museum at a number of events and exhibitions, including the national Big Bang fair in April.

The Water Design Challenge, which is being rolled out across the region, tasks students with using design techniques to come up with new and innovative solutions to save water.  Professional designers and water industry experts work with the schools to enhance the learning and help the students develop their ideas.
 
Southern Water has also supported a series of STEM enrichment days at schools across Southampton. The days, delivered by the Smallpeice Trust, present students with a water disaster that they need to address as a team.

Science, technology, engineering and mathematic skills are put to the test in a practical and engaging way.

Aggie Adamou, STEMIT Enrichment Co-ordinator at Upper Shirley School, said: “The students were really engaged throughout the whole day and enjoyed taking part in the challenge. Doing a practical activity outside the classroom that involved a bit of competition really sparked their interest and was a great experience.”

To find out more about the work of Southern Water, see our annual Stakeholder Report.