Schools without safe water accused of letting children dehydrate
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Thousands of children are suffering from dehydration at school because they have no access to a water fountain, a report out today reveals.
Thousands of children are suffering from dehydration at school because they have no access to a water fountain, a report out today reveals.
A survey of nearly 200 schools in Yorkshire reveals that more than four out of 10 pupils go without drinking water during the school day – contravening government health and safety guidelines. Of those who did drink enough, nearly half could only obtain water from toilet areas, many of them unhygenic or a stalking ground for school bullies.
The report, compiled by researchers at the University of Leeds and published by Yorkshire Water, claimed the lack of access was affecting children's health and education – with many suffering from headaches and poor concentration in lessons as a result. In addition, many youngsters were turning to fizzy drinks.
The survey, which was carried out among 192 schools, showed 42 per cent of pupils did not have access to drinking water during the school day. Of the 58 per cent who did, 44 per cent could only obtain a drink from the toilet area.
Health experts say that children should drink at least eight glasses of water a day – and that the lack of access could cause kidney or urinary tract infections. Dr Martin Schweiger, a consultant with the Leeds NHS Health Protection Unit, said improving the availability of water had potential to make a huge difference to pupils' health. "If children don't drink enough water," he added, "the delicate enzyme systems their bodies depend on get out of kilter. Headaches, tiredness, poor concentration and irritability are common signs that the body is drying out."
A spokeswoman for the Department for Education and Skills said guidance issued to caterers stated that it expected drinking water should be available to all pupils every day free of charge.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments