Flowing health

05/01/2004

Thousands of children throughout the region are turning the tap on for a healthier life in the new year.

Since Northumbrian Water formed a partnership with Hepscott Water Systems of Cramlington, Northumberland, and launched its ‘Chill Out Campaign’ in September last year, seventy schools have installed mains-fed water coolers.

Over 16,000 pupils from schools in Berwick, Amble, Stocksfield, Whitley Bay, Tynemouth, Blyth, Ashington, Seaton Deleval, Newcastle, South Shields, Hebburn, Gateshead, Seaham, Durham, Redcar, Barnard Castle, Guisbrough and Northallerton all now have easy access to chilled tip-top tap water.

Medical experts advise that we should all drink at least eight glasses of water a day to replace the water which is lost by our bodies as we perspire, urinate and breathe. 

According to research by the British Medical Assocation children who drink enough water at school concentrate and remember better.

Financial support is available to schools that install water coolers – Northumbrian Water has  given more than £50,000 to the Community Foundation which is administering applications for grants.

Grants are awarded according to schools financial circumstances and need.  The coolers cost £400 each to buy or 70p a day to rent - the cost of one can of fizzy drink!

Schools can apply for a grant up to 29 February 2004.  For more information click onto Northumbrian Water’s website www.nwl.co.uk or ring 0870 850 0219.

For further information on the above release or individual schools that have had a water cooler installed contact Cara Hall, Communications Adviser, on 0191 301 6720.