Drinking Water Safety and Health in Schools

Access to safe, appealing drinking water is a fundamental component of healthy school environments. Because children spend a significant portion of their day at school, consistent access to clean water plays a critical role in supporting hydration, cognitive performance, and overall well-being.

When adequate drinking water is not readily available, students may experience reduced concentration and increased health risks. Limited access to water can also lead to higher consumption of sugary beverages, which are associated with chronic conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Ensuring that all students have access to free, safe drinking water at school is an essential strategy for promoting equitable health outcomes.

In this webinar, experts from the American Heart Association explore the importance of drinking water safety, policy development, and systems-level strategies that help schools build a culture of health.

This webinar was originally recorded in 2022 and makes references to CHPS that may have changed. As of June 2025, CHPS became part of the Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).