How is the project linked to climate change & sustainability? 

The Water School project supports the call of the Czech Ministry of the Environment #stopplasticwaste. Schools which do not allow the use of disposable plastic bottles play an important role in implementing the EU Plastics Strategy. The "Water School" project helps to fulfil the objectives of the Green Agreement for Europe, specifically the Strategy for the Elimination of Pollution. The project supports circular economy, which proposes, among other things, the end of the production of disposable packaging. The project also helps meet the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Specifically, Objective 6.6 is: By 2020, ensure the protection and restoration of water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers and lakes.

Who is involved?

Teachers, principals, parents, students… anyone who wants to introduce a better and healthier drinking culture at school needs an ally. Discuss the topic with school management, educators, and parents. Prepare convincing arguments and inform and motivate colleagues from the teaching staff.

How are the participants involved? 

Make the decision to become a 'Water School' and set a start for implementation (for example, from the beginning of next school year)
It takes a few preliminary steps before you become a Water School:
•    Ensure the availability of drinking water in all classrooms and corridors.
•    If necessary, contact your drinking water supplier to verify water quality.
•    Provide students with drinking containers (bottles, glasses, cups).
•    Create common drinking rituals.
•    Remind pupils to drink water regularly during school day. 
•    Introduce the topic of water consumption, health and plastic waste to the pupils 
•    Inform and involve parents in the project.
•    Organise a 'Water School' project day once a year.

Key steps: 

1. Evaluate Existing Drinking Water Resources

As a starting point, a review of water quality and accessibility in the school should be completed. This includes an evaluation of current drinking water policies, as well as the current condition of the water supply and water dispensers (water fountains, taps, access to drinking bottles in class, etc). 

2. Develop your Water School plan

Using the results of your evaluation, start to think about solutions for any issues that came up in stage 1. The plan should be developed using a whole school approach in order to ensure that all voices within the school are heard. You may wish to set up a ‘Water School Council’ that comprises teaching staff, children, lunchtime assistants, parents and senior management.

3. Approve your Water School plan

Speak to stakeholders: Meet with senior management / budget holders to discuss what is practical and available. Also talk to school facilities operators and school maintenance staff in order to discuss the best implementation options for the plan.

4. Implement the plan

Once everything has been approved and the funding is in place, it is time to implement your plan:

• Identify personnel needs and training: Identify whether additional staff time or training is necessary to implement the proposed solutions.
• Develop water drinking incentives. One of the most important parts of implementing a Water School plan is to ensure that the response from students will mirror the effort that went into making the water available.