How to Create a Healthier School Routine with One Simple Change

It’s late morning. The bell rings. You see the usual line at the bubbler, the slow refills, and the same student grabbing a quick sip before racing back to play.  

By the time everyone returns to class, heads are already drooping, and concentration slips away. All because of those lost minutes and parched mouths. 

This routine isn’t just about wasted time. It shapes habits. In a study of 475 students at two regional Australian high schools, 30% never used the school fountains, and 85% chose bottled water instead. 

Once these habits form, they’re hard to change. That’s why it matters. Research shows that drinking water supports focus and mood, so making water easy to access every day is important. 

In this guide, you’ll find out what schools wish they’d changed sooner, why students often skip drinking water, and the easy step that helps turn ‘I’ll drink later’ into a healthy habit.

Outdated Fountains Give Water a Bad Name

If an outdated bubbler were a Bon Jovi song, it’d be called ‘You Give Water a Bad Name.’ 

Our latest competition made this crystal clear. 

Hundreds of Aussie schools shared what they’re dealing with right now. 

Students, parents, and teachers sent photos of tired, unsanitary drinking fountains, along with stories that were hard to read without wincing. 

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.“ 

Schools across Australia are facing the same issues, year after year 

• Rusty and broken fountains: “Our drinking fountains are dirty, outdated, inefficient, and frequently break down.“ 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 The outdated fountain drips and is hard to use.“ 

It’s fountains like these that give drinking water a bad name. 

When fountains are hard to use, students miss out on staying hydrated. This can affect their focus, learning, and wellbeing.

Modern School Drinking Fountains Students Actually Use

Hydration supports focus, energy, and student wellbeing. If you want students to choose water over sugary drinks, water has to win on the spot. 

Modern hydration stations provide: 

• Fast bottle refills to cut queues 

• Hygienic, easy-clean design that students trust 

• Filtered water for better taste and confidence 

• Chilled options for hot days and higher use 

• Tough, school-ready construction that holds up to daily wear 

• Custom colours and artwork to build school pride 

When students like using the stations, they come back again and again. Hydration becomes part of the school routine.

Take the Boring Out of Drinking Water

No need for a big overhaul. Small changes help students build better hydration habits, boost focus, and cut waste. 

• Install bottle refill stations in high-traffic areas like hallways and playgrounds 

• Encourage regular water breaks, especially after lunch and physical activity 

• Add hydration tips to health and science lessons 

• Use signage, assemblies, or student-led campaigns to keep it top of mind 

• Highlight the plastic reduction benefits of refill culture 

When choosing a drinking station, go for durability, easy cleaning, and accessibility for everyone. Simple filter changes and fast bottle filling make school life smoother. 

Read more: 10 Things Every School Should Know Before Buying a Drinking Station

One Change. Big Impact.

Picture this: The bell rings. Students fill their bottles quickly, with no queues and no warm or dirty water. Clean, chilled water is ready whenever they need it. 

That’s the difference a modern hydration station like Aquafil Hydrobank can make at your school. 

One simple change. Big results: 

• Students actually use the fountains instead of avoiding them 

• Hydration becomes routine, not an afterthought 

• Focus improves, behaviour settles, and wellbeing lifts 

• Teachers teach instead of managing water bottle chaos 

One simple change can help students build healthy hydration habits that last.

“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 that the students are enthusiastic about the Fun of refilling their water bottles at such a colourful unit that they have input into.“ – Principal Matt Sahlqvist.

Read more: Biloela State School Upgrades Hydration with Help from P&C.

Ready to Give Your School’s Drinking Water a Boost?

Still dealing with rusty nozzles, long queues, or warm water no one wants? You’re not alone. Over 2,000 Aussie schools have already made the switch to modern Aquafil hydration stations. 

If your fountains need an upgrade, the next step is simple: decide when to start. 

Book your free hydration review with our education team. We’ll assess your current setup, recommend the right solution, and provide a tailored quote. No pressure. Just practical advice to help your school build healthier habits.