Australias first leak detection dog visits Makybe Rise Primary School

There is a new furry face at Water Corporation and last week she visited Makybe Rise Primary School in Baldivis to share the waterwise message at a special assembly.

Makybe Rise students received a visit from ‘Kep’, Water Corporation’s first leak detection dog to congratulate students and teachers on winning last year’s National Water Week competition.

Kep, which is the Noongar word for ‘water’, has been trained to use her extraordinary sense of smell to detect leaks in underground water mains so they can be repaired.

Water Corporation General Manager Customer and Community Group, Catherine Ferrari, said Kep would play an important role in Water Corporation’s leak detection program, but also help spread the message about the importance of saving water amongst students.

“In our drying climate it’s important the next generation are aware of how precious water is,” Ms Ferrari said.

“Thank you to the students of Makybe Rise Primary School for welcoming Kep, taking the opportunity to find out about her important role, and learning what it means to be waterwise.”

Makybe Rise Primary Principal Steph Macdonald, said having Kep visit the school was a fantastic opportunity for students to learn about a unique way to detect hidden leaks and save water. 

“Kep’s visit also provides an opportunity to introduce Water Corporation’s Waterwise Schools Program to the school community,” Ms Macdonald said.

The Program supports the WA curriculum across all major learning areas, with a focus on STEM, and aims to educate young people about water giving them the knowledge and skills to make sound water management decisions as adults.

Further information about the Waterwise Schools Program is availabl e from the Water Corporation’s website at watercorporation.com.au/education 

Did you know?

• There are 574 Waterwise Schools across Western Australia – this represents 54 per cent of schools across the State.
• Now in its 23^rd year, the Waterwise Schools Program takes a long-term approach to water education and behavioural change, and complements the curriculum across all major learning areas.