A Nation’s Water Woes: Lessons Learned

Is your outdated school’s bubbler more of a dribbler?

You’re not alone. In response to our latest competition, hundreds of Australian schools have cried out for help. Students, parents, and teachers shared images of their outdated and unsanitary drinking fountains and shared heartbreaking stories.

Outdated School Fountains: A Health Risk

Here’s the shocker – these bubblers aren’t just outdated and boring. They’re potential health hazards. We’ve seen missing taps, rusty bubblers, or drinking troughs doubling as paint brush and hand washing facilities!

It’s fountains like these that give drinking water a bad name. They make it difficult for students to stay hydrated during their school day. What’s more, it negatively impacts their Academic outcomes and well-being.

A Call for Change: The H2O Heroes VIRTU-REAL Competition

It should come as no surprise that the H2O Heroes VIRTU-REAL competition caught the attention of many schools. By entering this competition, schools could with the drinking fountain of their dreams. School leaders took the opportunity to showcase their current water woes. And envision a more refreshing future with better bubblers. Using Civiq’s augmented reality function, schools placed a virtual fountain of their dreams in their real-school situation. They cool select the art they’d like to feature and see how this would transform their school environment.

Schools Share Their Hydration Struggles

As one parent expressed, “Our current water bubblers are on the unshaded side of one building. On the western side. In Brisbane! They are like molten steel to touch for most of the year and are commonly filled with mud and grime.“

Another teacher shared, ” Despite having 3 water fountains on our school site, of the 15 nozzles, only  3 are working for 170 students. We had a slew of 40 degree plus days at the beginning of the year and our students had to fill their bottles from our paint troughs.“

The Problem is Widespread: Common Issues Faced by Schools

• Rusty and broken fountains: “Our drinking fountains are dirty, outdated, inefficient, and frequently break down.“
• Warm or hot water: “Our bubblers are over 15 years old, leaking and providing warm water that can’t refill bottles. Not helpful in the summer heat!“
• Poor hygiene: “Students are having to drink from their hands if they are too tall to bend down. This is not hygienic and gross.“
• Inaccessibility: “Students often wait in long lines for water, especially during hot days. The outdated fountain drips and is hard to use.“

The Benefits of Modern Drinking Fountains

It’s time to get your school fountain out of the ewww… zone!

Civiq is the leading provider of innovative hydration solutions for schools. By upgrading to a modern drinking fountain, schools can:

• Improve student health: Encourage hydration, leading to better focus, energy levels, and overall well-being.
• Enhance school environments: Create a more inviting and visually appealing space.
• Reduce plastic waste: Promote the use of reusable water bottles.
• Boost school spirit: Foster a sense of community.

Are you ready for a hydration revolution?