The Suring High School Environmental Club’s effort to install water bottle filling stations in the school recently received limited approval by the School Board.
The club encouraged reusing drinking containers to help decrease plastic waste such as empty water and soda bottles.
The School Board on Jan. 14 heard a proposal to share costs with the club to buy and install two water fountains. The club suggested placing the new units near the existing water fountains outside the cafeteria and in the hallway outside the gym.
Each unit costs $432.
Board members were in favor of the proposal but voted to install only one station near the cafeteria, as a trial, and agreed to pay half the cost, $216.
The stations are designed to allow easy refilling of drinking containers and bottles, unlike current water fountains.
Building and grounds director Greg Jaeger, who presented the club’s proposal to the School Board, said installation of the unit is “fairly simple” and can be accomplished in-house. The top of the existing bubbler is removed and then replaced with another top that provides both drinking and bottle-filling capabilities and uses the existing plumbing.
Along with the agreement, the board also requested a sign be placed near the unit with information about the importance of proper bottle washing to help eliminate growth of bacteria and possible transfer of germs among students.
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