Water UK

New water cooler guidance launched for schools

25/09/07

The Health Education Trust has joined with other members of the Water for Health Alliance, to launch a practical toolkit aimed at assisting schools towards best practice in providing and managing Point of Use water cooler supplies within the context of a ‘whole school’ water policy.

In schools, good hydration helps to reduce tiredness, irritability, and increases concentration. Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Ann Keen has recently advised that water “contributes to a more settled and productive learning environment”.

The attached guidance has been written and produced by the Health Education Trust, an independent charity, and is based on a clear recognition of the health benefits of good hydration. These benefits offer a rationale and urgency for action to ensure that all children in our schools should have easy access to free, fresh, chilled drinking water throughout the school day.

Water coolers can play an important part in offering a solution to schools within the framework of a carefully planned water policy. Many individuals and organisations from education, public health, the water and water cooler industry and the voluntary sector have contributed to this guidance.

This guidance will help ensure that the highest standards possible prevail in the selection, provision, installation and maintenance of water coolers in schools.

Furthermore, while the guidance is aimed specifically at schools there is no doubt that it can be usefully adapted and applied to other public institutions such as leisure services, hospitals and prisons.

Water cooler 'point of use' guidance for schools
By Joe Harvey, Director, Health Education Trust