Dundalk IT launches primary school resource to boost water literacy

The National Federation of Group Water Schemes (NFGWS), in partnership with the Centre for Freshwater and Environmental Studies at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) with the support of Research Ireland, has developed a new book All About Water to help group water schemes around the country to educate pupils across rural Ireland on all things water.

The newly updated curriculum linked 2026 edition, featuring two new H2O Heroes mascots, Drizzle and Misty brings interactive learning to the next level. Packed with puzzles, quizzes and real-world science activities, new areas of focus include the importance of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and climate action, among other important topics.

St Brigid’s National School, Meath Hill, became the first school in the country to unveil the refreshed All About Water schoolbook and brand-new world of water education. This vibrant, bilingual (English and Irish) learning resource is designed to inspire young environmental stewards through a freshwater and drinking water education programme which will be delivered across Ireland’s primary schools. The initiative comes at a time of increasing focus on water conservation, climate resilience and community-run water services.

NFGWS CEO Mark Farrelly said: “The All About Water schoolbook celebrates everything that makes group water schemes special, including community management of water, local science and a real pride of place. By teaching children how their own community provides and protects its water, along with the importance of freshwater to all life on earth we’re helping them understand the vital role they can play in safeguarding it for the future.” 

Caroline Gilleran Stephens, Research Theme Lead, Environmental Education, Centre for Freshwater and Environmental Studies (CFES) at DkIT said: “We are delighted to bring the All About Water resource to schools, with our H2O Heroes helping children understand where their water comes from and why it matters. By building water literacy from an early age, we are empowering young people to protect this vital resource for the future.”

To mark the launch, pupils visited the Meath Hill Group Water Scheme pumphouse, where committee member Tom Lynch explained how his own scheme extracts and safeguards local drinking water. Back at the school, Tom and NFGWS development officer James McElearney showcased the newly installed drinking water refill station with the local pupils.

The learning continued indoors with an NFGWS-led presentation and energetic water-themed quiz, followed by a lively kick-sampling demonstration from Dr Caroline Gilleran Stephens and Dr Suzanne Linnane (DkIT), using samples from Ballyhoe Lough.

In their H2O Heroes lab coats, the pupils identified aquatic insects and explored how scientists measure water quality. The launch also shone a spotlight on the Meath Hill Group Water Scheme, a volunteer-run scheme supplying over 325 homes and recognised nationally for excellence in water safety, biodiversity, community engagement, and climate action.

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The NFGWS is encouraging more group water schemes to deliver the All About Water curriculum to their local schools, and, with the support of NFGWS development officers, aims to involve even more schools across GWS networks in this important educational initiative.