Schools taking novel approaches to new drinking water requirement
The state wants to be sure students have plenty of alternatives to sugary sodas, so schools throughout the region are coming up with novel ways to comply with a new law requiring them to provide fresh, free drinking water where meals are served.
In the Mt. Diablo and Oakland districts, officials will provide water dispensers in cafeterias, while some schools in San Jose will install new water fountains. School districts throughout California are complying with the law in a variety of ways -- some that cost less than $50 per school and others that can cost thousands, according to California Food Policy Advocates, a group promoting SB 1413, which took effect July 1.
Large jugs and cups are the least-expensive alternatives, followed by filtered water devices that can cost up to $2,000. "Hydration stations" are permanent water dispensers that allow students to fill cups and water bottles, as opposed to more traditional drinking fountains. Some schools are partnering with parent volunteers or outside funders to help meet the requirement.
A similar federal law will take effect in September requiring all campuses that participate in the national school lunch program to offer free water to students. But the state law offers districts a way to opt out of the requirement, if trustees pass a resolution stating they can't comply for financial or health and safety reasons. Last month, the Mt. Diablo school board in Contra Costa County unanimously
adopted a resolution saying the district couldn't afford to pay $300,000 to install drinking fountains at 10 schools that don't have drinking fountains in their cafeterias, or about $30,000 per campus. Yet, voters approved a $348 million
