Cool and thirst quenching, improperly filtered water. What more could anyone want?

The water fountains in every hall at Bowie are being used as frequently as usual, but should they be? The red light on some water fountains have flashed on showing that the filter in the fountain needs to be replaced. The lights have been on for weeks, and no action has been made to change this.

Students depend on the fountains to get their daily water intake. Many students don’t bother to bring a water bottle to school and periodically ask to go to the water fountains, or stop by on their way to class or the restroom. As students or faculty drink from our water fountains they usually don’t look at the information on it, such as the filter status. The red lights have turned on due to improper filter replacement, and that means that the water being consumed daily is not as clean as it should be.

The water in the drinking fountains is still clean and consumable, but can affect overall health. Tap water in America already has many chemicals and toxins when it’s purified, but without being filtered, the amount only increases. Consuming these chemicals can make students’ allergies worse, and when the sickness’ skyrocket, attendance at school will plummet. The health effects the water fountains could possibly have on students would make the school lose money that goes towards attendance.

The water likely can’t have any long term health effects, but public schools need to take care of their students and faculty. Some students don’t have clean water at their own home, and depend on the school to get what they need. Schools have a duty to protect and educate, so Bowie needs to be on top of changing the filters.

In order for everyone to stay healthy and happy, a simple fix is needed.