Prep Students Choose Tap

Starting Prep is always an exciting time for students.

Westernport Water loves to make this special first day even better by ensuring everyone gets a free reusable Choose Tap water bottle.

This year, every Prep student from Newhaven College, Cowes, Newhaven, San Remo, Bass Valley, Powlett River, The Village School and Our Lady Star of the Sea primary schools received one of 435 reusable water bottles, helping them to stay hydrated throughout the school day.

That’s almost 1500 students that have received a bottle from Westernport Water since the Prep Water Bottle Initiative began in 2017.

“The Prep Water Bottle Initiative has become a valued tradition and education opportunity for both our staff and our local primary schools,” said Westernport Water’s Managing Director Dona Tantirimudalige.

“We’ve received great feedback about the initiative from both teachers and students. We’re told the students love filling their bottles up and teachers notice the difference when their students are well hydrated.”

The initiative promotes the environmental, monetary and health benefits of drinking tap water, by encouraging people to choose tap water over sugary drinks or pre-packaged single use alternatives.

Studies show that a two per cent drop in body water can cause a 13 per cent decrease in concentration, so keeping kids hydrated throughout the day is imperative for their learning and overall health.

“We want to encourage healthy habits amongst children as early as possible. Tap water is good for your health, it’s environmentally friendly and much cheaper than the bottled alternative,” Ms Tantirimudalige said.

“By partnering with local schools and giving prep students a water bottle to keep in their classroom or school bag, we hope to give them the best start possible for their new school journey.”

With 16 per cent of Gippsland adults now consuming sugary drinks on a daily basis and over 25 per cent of Australian children being either overweight or obese, it’s imperative to educate students on the health benefits of drinking tap water.

Westernport Water said there was a need for water to be available in convenient and easy to access locations and is continuing to install water fountains in each community so that everyone can get a drink when they need it.

To find a list of Permanent Water Refill Stations and their locations so you can stay hydrated on the go, search for the Choose Tap page on www.westernportwater.com.au

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