The human body is 70% water, and for it to keep operating at optimum levels the water level needs to be kept balanced. Water is lost through sweat, tears, breathing and excretion of urine. If we do not drink sufficient water to replace that which we lose, we will become dehydrated.
Dehydration can lead to dizziness, dry mouth, headaches, nausea, and a whole host of other symptoms which could even lead to death if not attended to promptly. The problem is that by the time a child feels thirsty, the body has already lost in excess of 20% of its ability to perform both mentally and physically.
Children especially, are naturally susceptible to becoming dehydrated due to their small body size and high levels of physical activity. If fresh, cool drinking water is not accessible; the consequences of persistent dehydration could result in behavioural problems, lack of concentration, increased classroom disruption, and a decreasing ability to perform to the best of their ability both physically and mentally.
The Sandwell Children’s Fund funded a 12 month project to research and document the benefits of good hydration in schools in March 2003. This research was conducted across 87 schools, each one of which was provided with one water cooler per 100 scholars.
This study revealed that there were fewer interruptions during classes; the children had more energy; the children drank more water ant school and at home; the teachers drank more water; less children were fatigued and lethargic; fewer sodas were consumed; more water was consumed during lunch-breaks, and the children became more aware of their bodies needs and the need to hydrate enough.
A similar study conducted at Edinburgh Primary School by the Department of Health and Food Standards Agency revealed that when water bottles were placed on pupils’ desks, there was a significant improvement in national test results.
Approximately 66% of children are not getting access to sufficient drinking water and about 20% do not drink water at all.
Supplying schools in London and surrounds with water coolers or water dispensers is of the utmost importance to ensure that scholars remain hydrated and are functioning optimally in both academic and extra-mural pursuits.
The best type of water cooler for schools is a high capacity water cooler such as the Fountain Water Cooler supplied by Living-Water. The Fountain uses direct chill technology, capable of providing consistently high-quality drinking water over prolonged periods of time. It is built of hardy stainless steel and available with an extensive range of taps and dispenser types.
