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Water for Health in Secondary Schools

An Effective Practice

Description

In an effort to promote drinking water for general health, this school-based intervention sought to increase access to drinking water in select secondary schools in the UK. For a period of three months in early 2007, Anglian Water (a regional water company) installed water coolers that dispensed chilled tap water at schools. In addition, Anglian Water sold refillable bottles to the schools at a discount. These bottles were then distributed to the students or sold as a fundraiser.

Goal / Mission

In order to promote drinking water for general health, the goal of the program is to improve access to fresh drinking water for students in select schools in England.

Results / Accomplishments

Approximately 3300 students within three schools were interviewed before and after the intervention. As a result of the program, 83 percent of students said it was easier to find a free drink of water, 39 percent reported drinking more water (3.5 additional glasses per day), and nearly 70 percent claimed to use their refillable water bottles. Of the students who drank more water, they reported a decrease in feeling thirsty, an increase in feeling healthier, an increase in concentration, and an increase in performance of sports or physical education.

About this Promising Practice

Organization(s)
Anglian Water
Primary Contact
Peter Simpson
Anglian House
Ambury Road
Huntingdon
Cambridgeshire PE29 3NZ
01480 323585
waterforhealth-secondary@anglianwater.co.uk
Topics
Health / Children's Health
Health / Physical Activity
Education / School Environment
Organization(s)
Anglian Water
Source
California Food Policy Advocates
Date of implementation
2007
Location
England
For more details
Target Audience
Teens, Families
Kansas Health Matters