Hydration education: The big problem with water consumption in schools

‘Are you drinking enough water?’

In all walks of life, we’ve all heard this phrase uttered at one time or another – and there’s a very good reason why.

Staying hydrated is one of the most important things you can do to stay healthy. Being hydrated promotes cognitive development and if you’re a facilities manager in an educational setting, or part of a parents committee, there’s a good chance you’ve seen the effects that providing students with appropriate hydrational opportunities can have on their learning.

When we consider that 60% of our bodies are made up of water, the importance of staying hydrated cannot be overstated – especially during a student’s education.

Here at Borg & Overström, we know that water is the fundamental element that can inspire productivity, and with 20 years experience in design-led manufacturing of world renowned water systems, we understand the positive impact a well facilitated educational environment can have on students.

In this article, we explore the main reasons why staying hydrated in an educational environment is vital for a student’s development. By the end, you will know why hydration is critical for cognitive development and how to ensure your students stay hydrated.

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Why is keeping students hydrated so important?

Did you know that staying hydrated is how our bodies transport nutrients to cells, regulate body temperature, lubricate our joints, and flush out all the waste and toxins from our system? In fact, every system in your body needs water to function properly, so it comes with no surprise that dehydration can have a variety of negative effects, including:

• Feeling tired
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• Having a dry mouth, lips and eyes
• Feeling thirsty

Though the recommended daily intake of fluids can vary depending on height, weight, and climate, health experts typically state that everyone should be drinking close to 2 litres of water everyday. This includes unsweetened drinks such as tea, coffee, and sparkling water.

Research has shown that students today, especially in western society, are known to be particularly at risk of chronic dehydration. The combination of busy lesson schedules, the raised classroom temperatures, and the modern day push towards staying active – there are plenty of opportunities for students to become dehydrated should the surrounding environment not have the appropriate facilities.

With this research, Borg & Overström set out to solve this problem by designing a water system that perfectly matched the needs of students and staff alike. Knowing the importance of staying hydrated, the Borg & Overström B3 is the product of careful design and innovative thinking. Ergonomically designed to facilitate both adults and children – the B3 is championed as the first choice for all educational and healthcare environments.

Hydration in education

Providing access to drinking water gives students a healthy alternative to sugar-sweetened beverages. It helps to increase students’ overall water consumption, maintain hydration, and reduce energy intake if substituted for sugar-sweetened beverages

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

So, what is the current state of water facilities in a typical educational setting today?

Unfortunately, studies have shown that it is not uncommon for pupils to go six or seven hours without a single drink, and those who do drink usually drink less than they need. But why?

Well, In particular, the water refreshment facilities in schools are currently sparse and limited to either public water fountains or taps. With old metallic designs that require continuous cleaning maintenance, the sad truth is that these out-dated water fountains can harbour millions of harmful germs. So, despite studies demonstrating that students who are even mildly dehydrated can potentially lose concentration, and have a substantial decline in cognitive performance, the current facilities available are either unsuitable or unhygienic.

With a foundation set in the world of water systems, the Borg & Overström B3 actively combats these current issues. This high-class water cooler is perfect for dispensing clean, cool water into cups or bottles – essential for the student on the move. Featuring a touch-sensitive control panel, designed specifically to enhance hygiene maintenance, students no longer need to worry about the threat of harbouring germs and other contaminants that would be found on their old school water fountain.

Access to hydration is key in performing to the best of your ability – the simple act of drinking a glass of water can boost a person’s concentration, directly affecting their ability to learn and recall information. Indeed, a wide-range of studies have found direct correlations between cognitive processes and hydration levels, ranging from visual attention to cognitive understanding.

As well as enhancing a student’s concentration, staying hydrated can also impact performance within test situations. A BBC study has found that students who have bottled water on their desks during exams perform, on average, 5% better than those students who don’t.