It’s common today for students to bring water bottles to school, keeping them on their desk during class or in a communal cart for easy storage. But it’s not so easy to refill drink bottles from outdated troughs and fountains.
The principal of a 100-year-old primary school in Central Queensland was facing a dilemma: its water fountains were no longer fit for purpose.
Mr Matt Sahlqvist, Principal at Biloela State School, said the school’s existing water fountains were long overdue for replacement.
“They had definitely seen better days and were beyond being maintained to an acceptable condition that would catch the attention of both the staff and the student body,” Mr Sahlqvist said.
Established in 1925, the school in Biloela, a rural town in the Shire of Banana, has 278 students in years Prep to 6.
“In our endeavours to educate our students about staying hydrated during our hot and humid weather, we have had discussions about bringing a water bottle to school,” Mr Sahlqvist said.
But it was proving difficult for students to fill their water bottles from old troughs that were fountain-only.
“In this present day, it seems to me that water bottles have become almost a fashion accessory. What better way to encourage students to fill up those wonderful bottles then with a new hydration station,” he said.
Biloela State School turned to Civiq, a leading manufacturer of Australian-made drinking water fountains and refill stations for schools and local councils.
The family-owned company with more than 30 years’ manufacturing experience originally designed wayfinding signage until an existing customer – a council on Sydney’s Northern Beaches – made a unique request: it wanted a way for its community members to easily access drinking water on public walking trails, and cut down on plastic waste.
The request sparked the first Civiq-designed water station – the Aquafil FlexiFountain – which has now evolved to an extensive range of products.
“We saw the positive impact sustainable hydration makes in communities. We knew there was a similar need in schools,” the company said.
Its range of robust, low-maintenance hydration solutions designed specifically for schools are also helping to foster student ownership as schools can personalise their drinking station with artwork.
For Mr Sahlqvist, Civiq’s ability to incorporate artwork with functionality was a win-win.
“Having a bottle refill as well as a drinking outlet is fantastic and provides easy access to clean and healthy water to all,” he said.
“Our school captains were involved in the choice of the final artwork. As a staff, we have found that the students are enthusiastic about the fun of refilling their water bottles at such a colourful unit that they have had input into.”
Whether installed in the playground, sports fields, libraries, STEM labs, classrooms or common areas, Civiq’s water stations are making it easier for students to stay hydrated.
“It is difficult to fill water bottles from old troughs. Schools are upgrading their troughs to offer bottle refill options and the cool art makes it really fun and personal for students,” the company said.
“We’re reshaping how schools think about hydration, sustainability, and functional design.”
Mr Sahlqvist said he has noticed the change in the school environment since installing new drinking stations.
“Students are more likely to accept change if we as a staff lead by example. Having filtered and clean drinking water is a major step forward. Students have been filling up their drink bottles, just like their teacher,” he said.
“This is very pleasing – it also has the added benefit of reducing the number of single use plastic water bottles. Although the school does have a recycling program, it is great to have easy access to clean, cool drinking water.”
As a rural town, Mr Sahlqvist said, Biloela’s water supply can at times be a little unpleasant, especially in times of low rainfall.
“So, it is exciting to have bright clean water fountains now available for use.”
Although pleased with the final outcome, Mr Sahlqvist said the school faced a few hurdles.
“As a school, we had several attempts to source funding for the purchase of the drinking fountains. All proved unsuccessful.”
“Fortunately, with the support of our Parents and Citizens Association we were able to install not one, but two wonderful new drinking stations. Civiq made it easy for us. Fast, prompt and very professional service by their staff,” he said.
Funding can be a hurdle for many schools, Civiq said.
“That’s why we list the best grant opportunities for councils, community groups, sporting organisations and not-for-profits in our grant portal,” the company said.
To enquire about Civiq’s range of indoor and outdoor drinking water stations designed for schools, visit civiq.com.au, email sales@civiq.com.au or call 1300 600 300.
