§18-9G-1. Purpose.

The purpose of this bill is to support maintaining a child’s overall health, such as regulating temperature, transporting nutrients, and preventing disease. Drinking sufficient amounts of water can have many health benefits, such as reduced dental cavities and maintaining a healthy body weight. Studies show when water bottle filling stations are installed in schools, students nearly triple the amount of how much water they drink at lunch time and the likelihood of students in those same schools being at an unhealthy weight is greatly reduced. Additionally, studies have shown that there are more germs found on an average classroom water fountain spigot than a toilet seat or an animal cage. Accordingly, promoting the use of a water bottle filling station reduces the spread of germs and disease.