Water – Private Drinking Water

Support for schools

Annual Contracts team

The department supports schools to meet their mandatory compliance obligations through the work of the School Asset Assessments Unit (SAAU) which supports schools with managing their annual contracts. The VSBA Annual Contracts team has been established to support schools directly with guidance and support and can be contacted at vsba.annual.contracts@education.vic.gov.au and 03 7022 5800.

School maintenance plans

In addition, the School Asset Leadership team provides direct guidance and support to schools on request and the School Maintenance Advice and Planning team provides support to schools to complete and operationalise their school maintenance plans. These teams can be contacted through the VSBA on 1800 896 950.

Asset Information Management System

Over 2021 and 2022, the VSBA is rolling out a new Asset Information Management System (AIMS) to all schools. AIMS will make it easier for schools to manage their assets and related compliance obligations within a single portal.

As schools gradually transition to using AIMS, they will be provided with a transition date, staff training and support. Schools not yet provided access to AIMS must continue to maintain manual records that reflect the completion of compliance obligations. Refer to the department's advice on AIMS for further information.

Routine maintenance funding

Schools should fund their private drinking water supply responsibilities from their Student Resource Package (SRP) funding.

The Annual Contracts and Essential Safety Measures ACES funding line includes an allocation to schools for inspection and servicing of sewage and water treatments as specified under SRP Guide Reference 36.

The Maintenance and Minor Works funding line is allocated to schools to meet costs associated with repairs and maintenance.

Make-Safe

Schools may request an emergency water supply through the VSBA’s Make-Safe service provider on 1300 133 468.

Emergency maintenance funding

In some situations where a school has insufficient funds for critical repairs costing $5,000 or more, they may apply for assistance through the VSBA’s Emergency Maintenance Program. For more information, refer to the Guidance tab of the Buildings and Grounds Maintenance and Compliance policy.

Department of Health

Schools may contact the Department of Health, Communicable Disease Prevention and Control on 1300 651 160 for support and advice to ensure that illness is not spread to the school community.