It’s common today for students to bring water bottles to school, keeping them on their desks during class or in a communal cart for easy storage.
However, it’s not so easy to try to refill those bottles from outdated troughs and fountains.
The challenge: Outdated troughs, underwhelming impact
Biloela State School, always proactive in addressing challenges, identified a hydration problem. Their drinking water fountains were well past their prime, hard to maintain, and not up to the task in Queensland’s hot and humid climate.
“The existing water fountains have long been overdue for replacement. They had definitely seen better days and were beyond being maintained to an acceptable condition that would catch the attention of both the staff and the student body.” – Principal Matt Sahlqvist.
Biloela is a rural town, and the water supply can be somewhat unpleasant, especially during periods of low rainfall. For a school encouraging hydration, that wasn’t good enough.
The turning point: Making water part of the culture
Biloela State School turned to Civiq, a leading manufacturer of Australian-made drinking water fountains and refill stations for schools and local councils.
“In our endeavours to encourage our students about staying hydrated during our hot and humid weather, we have had discussions about bringing a water bottle to school. In this present day. it seems to me that water bottles have become almost a fashion accessory. What better way to encourage students to fill up those wonderful bottles then with a new hydration station,” he said.
“Having a bottle refill as well as a drinking outlet is fantastic and provides easy access to clean and healthy water to all. The School Captains were involved in the choice of the final artwork. As a staff we have found the the students are enthusiastic about the Fun of refilling their water bottles at such a colourful unit that they have input into.“
The solution: Two bright, bold Aquafil Hydrobanks
Thanks to the support from the 2025 Parents and Citizens Association, the school has installed two Aquafil Hydrobank stations. Each features three bottle refill points and three drinking fountains, ensuring that fresh, filtered water is accessible throughout the campus.
The result
- More students are filling their bottles throughout the day
- Staff leading by example
- Fewer single-use bottles in bins
- A cleaner, cooler, more modern school environment
“Students are more likely to accept change if we as a staff provide the example. Having filtered and clean drinking water is a major step forward. Students have been noticed filling up those wonderful name brand bottles, just like their teacher. This is very pleasing – it also has the added benefit of reducing the number of single use plastic water bottles. Although the school does have a recycling program, it is great to have easy access to clean, cool drinking water.“
As a rural town, Mr Sahlqvist said, “Biloela’s water supply can at times be a little unpleasant, especially in times of low rainfall. So, it is exciting to have bright clean water fountains now available for use.“
Why Civiq?
“As a school we had several attempts to source funding for the purchase of the drinking fountains. All proved unsuccessful.
A very big thank you must go to our 2025 Parents and Citizens Association for supporting our Principal, Matt, in providing not just one, but two wonderful new drinking stations.
Civiq made it easy for us. Fast, prompt and very professional service by their staff.”
Whether installed in the playground, sports fields, libraries, STEM labs, classrooms or common areas, Civiq’s water stations make it easier for students to stay hydrated.
Make hydration easy at your school
Looking to upgrade your school drinking water fountains?
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