HET Publishes Water Cooler Guidance for Schools
April 2008
The Health Education trust (HET) has written and produced a free guidance document (see below) for schools on the use of water coolers. Many individuals and organisations from education, public health, the water and water cooler industry and the voluntary sector have contributed to this guidance to help ensure that the highest standards possible prevail in the selection, provision, installation and maintenance of water coolers in schools.
In schools, ‘good hydration helps to reduce tiredness, irritability, and increases concentration. It contributes to a more settled and productive learning environment’. (House of Commons written answer by Ann Keen – Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, DOH – 16/07/2007).
Point of Use (POU) water coolers can play an important part in offering a solution to schools within the framework of a carefully planned water policy.
This guidance is based on a clear recognition of the benefits outlined above and the substantial additional health benefits described within the document. Jointly they offer a rationale and urgency for action to ensure that all children in our schools should have ‘easy access to free, fresh, chilled drinking water throughout the school day’. (Turning the Tables 2005).
Furthermore, while the guidance is aimed specifically at schools there is no doubt that it can be usefully adapted and applied to other public institutions such as leisure services, hospitals and prisons.
