Staying hydrated during the long hours of school is crucial for maintaining a healthy living style and overall well being. Proper hydration enhances concentration, memory, and alertness, all of which are essential to learn effectively. That is why most schools, including Curtis High School, installed water fountains that have the ability to refill bottles and filter the water. Filtered water adds an extra layer of protection by helping to remove impurities and bacteria. By choosing the water fountains with filters students not only support their hydration needs but also contribute to a healthier environment that is conducive to maintaining efficient learning.
These water fountains look like average fountains, but actually have more information. The water fountains in the ‘17 and ‘36 wing show the filter status. It should be noted that all of the filters are on red right now. “Even when I see the red light of the filters, I just ignore it. To me water is water and if I’m thirsty I’m going to drink from it or fill up my water bottle,” said Kai Kwok.
Even though the displays show red, it does not mean there is any problem with the water. The water is still filtered and safe and is even tested by the Department of Education. The school makes sure to maintain these fountains quarterly at a cost about $250 per filter.
Throughout the school there are 16 water fountains that allow for bottle refilling. Eight of these are in the new wing (‘17) There are six in the ‘36 wing and two in the old building. The two in the old building are the only ones that do not display the filter status. Curtis is even planning on adding more water fountains to the school, according to Custodian Engineer Joseph Cordero.
Even those these water fountain are relatively new, water does not come out of two of the sixteen. Another problem is that the water pressure is so low that it takes a long time to fill a water bottle. The fastest fountain is on the first floor of the old building. The second fastest one being the water fountains next to Mr. Crowdell office and across from the boys bathroom in the new building. The slowest ones are the two on the second floor of the ‘17 wing. all the way down the hall. On average, the water fountains stop 4 times before filling an eight ounce cup, and take at least a minute to fill up the cup. The water fountains are safe but irritating to use. However, they made a big impact on the environment, saving an average of fourteen thousand bottles.
“I love that I can fill my water bottles but since I drink a lot of water it takes forever. So sometimes rather than filling my own, I steal water from Mr. Danza’s gallon jug,” said Ms. Cadence Turner.
Despite all the perks of the new fountains, the old porcelain ones still have some fans. “It is so much easier to use the older fountains. I don’t have to wait as long. here is a higher water arch and I think the water tastes better,” said sophomore Angeline Collado.
