Getting Back on Tap

The Policy Context and Cost of Ensuring Access to Low-Cost Drinking Water in Massachusetts Schools

A review of Massachusetts public school district wellness policies found that prior to 2010, most (92%-94% of policies) did not address access to free drinking water.

The study also estimated costs associated with three water provision strategies: commercial bottled water cooler, tap-water dispensers (both refrigerated and non-refrigerated) and plumbed drinking fountains (including both a wall-mounted water bottle filler and a water fountain). Depending on the water-delivery option, ten-year costs per school for providing water during mealtimes to students ranged from $12,544 to $27,922. Strategies relying on tap water are more economical than bottled water in the long term.

Adequate water intake may have important health benefits for schoolchildren, and layers of federal, state, and local policy are relevant to provision of water within schools. The study discusses recommendations to ensure all students have access to safe, free drinking water.

Cradock AL, Wilking C, Olliges S, Gortmaker G. Getting Back on Tap: The Policy Context and Cost of Ensuring Access to Low-Cost Drinking Water in Massachusetts Schools. Am J Prev Med. 2012 Sep;43(3 Suppl 2):S95-101.