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Increasing Access to Drinking Water in School
Increasing Access to Drinking Water in School
Why is drinking water important?
Helps to reduce intake of excess added sugars and calories
Helps prevent cavities by providing fluoride and reducing acid in the mouth
Prevents dehydrationMay improve cognitive function
in children and adolescents
Promote Water Consumption
One way to encourage children and adults to drink enough water is to make safe drinking
water widely available in a variety of settings, including schools.
What is required of schools?
Drinking Water RequirementsUnited States Department of Agriculture
(USDA) requires schools participating in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) to make plain (i.e., no flavoring, additives, or carbonation) drinking water available to students at no cost during the meal periods at the locations where meals are served.School BreakfastSchool LunchAfterschool Snack Program
Actions for Schools to Increase Water Access and Consumption
√ Offer water filling stations or water jets√ Provide cups at water filling stations and/or
allow students to bring and use reusable water bottles
√ Establish cleaning standards for all water access points
√ Offer water pitchers and cups on lunch tables√ Place signage near and at water fountains
and dispensers√ Ensure the school is in compliance with
plumbing codes regarding minimum number of drinking fountains/number of students
√ Provide free drinking water (with attractive presentation) at meetings and conferences.
√ Promote the environmental and cost benefits of drinking tap water over bottled beverages in the classroom and to parents
√ Promote the safety of tap water√ When available for sale, offer water at a reduced price
compared to other beverages
Actions for Schools to Increase Water Access and Consumption (cont.)
How does water access fit with the local school
wellness policy?
Wellness Policy and Water Access Work Together
Increase access to healthy foods and beveragesPromote access to free waterReduce access to sugar sweetened beverages
Create supportive nutrition environments in schools
Promote and implement nutrition standards where foods and beverages are available
What are some next steps to increase access to
water?
Next StepsComplete the needs assessment and planning
tools in the CDC Increasing Access To Drinking Water in Schools toolkit to determine additional action steps
Include a student survey and consider the following themes in your assessment: Is the tap water clean and safe? Is the tap water perceived as clean and safe?Where are drinking fountains/water sources located?How much does the water cost, or is it free? If bottled, what is the impact on the environment? In schools: what is the source of the water, and is it
appealing in taste, smell, and color? Are there areas in the school building that could use a
water source?
Next StepsIdentify partners and stakeholders
Consider partners that have an interest in nutrition, physical activity, oral health, or child health and wellness.
Facilitate discussions with stakeholders.
Thank You!
Angela Mitchell, RN, BAEducation ConsultantBureau of Nutrition & Health ServicesIowa Department of Education
This resource was made possible by a 1305 CDC Grant sponsored by the Iowa Department of Public Health and the Iowa Department of Education.
AcknowledgementsThis presentation was adapted from a full presentation developed by Joan Atkinson from the Association of State Public Health Nutritionists (ASPHN) for CDC’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity (DNPAO).
