We, the undersigned parents, students, and community members of Bella Vista Elementary, respectfully petition the school district to upgrade the existing water fountains at our school to modern, filtered, and refrigerated hydration stations. Our children deserve access to clean, fresh, and great-tasting drinking water throughout the school day to support their health, well-being, and academic success.

Currently, the water fountains at Bella Vista are often unclean, and many students report that the water does not taste good, discouraging them from staying properly hydrated. Ensuring access to clean and appealing drinking water is essential for student health, as proper hydration improves cognitive function, physical performance, and overall well-being.

The California State Department of Education provides clear guidelines for the successful implementation of state and federal regulations on drinking water access in schools. These guidelines emphasize the importance of:

Providing Chilled and Filtered Drinking Stations: Modern hydration stations that dispense cold, fresh, and filtered water should be available in key locations such as cafeterias, school entrances, and playgrounds.
Maintaining School Site Water Fountains: All water fountains must be properly maintained and cleaned daily to ensure adequate water pressure and a safe, potable water supply. (https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/nu/he/water.asp)

We also note that several other elementary schools in the district have successfully installed new hydration stations this year, demonstrating the district’s commitment to student health. We request that Bella Vista receive the same consideration to ensure equitable access to clean drinking water for all students.

We urge the district to take the following actions:

Assess and Upgrade Existing Water Fountains: Replace outdated water fountains with hydration stations that provide cold, filtered water for students and staff.
Ensure Proper Maintenance and Cleaning: Implement a daily cleaning and maintenance schedule to keep all water sources sanitary and fully operational.

By making these improvements, the district will align with California’s educational and public health standards while demonstrating a commitment to student well-being. We respectfully request that the school board prioritize this issue and take action as soon as possible.

Thank you for your time and consideration. We look forward to your response and a collaborative effort to ensure that our children have access to clean, safe, and appealing drinking water at school.