Access to drinking water in public spaces can help fight lifestyle diseases and enable a community to achieve better health.
Water should be the number one beverage choice, particularly for children. If a child regularly opts for soft drink and sugary fruit juices over water, it can have a negative impact on their development. Consumption of sugary alternatives is associated with developing diabetes, obesity, chronic kidney disease and kidney stone formation.
Preventing obesity
Preventing obesity and overweight starts with allowing children to make healthy choices.
The NSW Schools Physical Activity and Nutrition Survey 2010 found NSW students ate energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods too often and many drank too much soft drink. The role of bubblers in reducing obesity is a relatively new space for research within Australia, but a few notable overseas studies have made a head start.
In Germany, researchers tested whether promoting water consumption could prevent overweight in elementary school children by installing bubblers and providing education on water consumption. The study found these simple measures reduced the risk of overweight by 31% and water consumption was 1.1 glasses per day greater than the control group.
Meanwhile, researchers in the US endeavoured to test how schools could improve drinking water among adolescents. They provided drinking water in a middle-school cafeteria, ran classes promoting water consumption and provided reusable water bottles. Similar to the German study, children at the schools where researchers intervened had significantly higher odds of drinking water from school drinking fountains and from reusable water bottles, however the findings went a step further. Over the length of the program, the water dispensed decreased, as did the use of the water bottles. Staff observed when paper cups were placed next to the dispensers, the amount of water increased, implying water is more likely to be consumed when the user does not have to carry around a bottle.
This research suggests a child’s consumption of drinking water can be encouraged by providing easy access in school and public places.
Providing water access
Easy access to drinking water can be provided through installation of bubblers. Bubblers are an ideal solution as they not only eliminate the need to carry a bottle but they can be a more sanitary and environmentally friendly alternative. If a reusable bottle is not regularly cleaned, it can be harbouring nasty bacteria and plastic water bottles often end up in landfill or waterways, posing a hazard to wildlife.
Furthermore, if architects are mindful of the infrastructure which encourages people to be healthy and active, such as bubblers, the space created is more likely to be frequently used and enjoyed.
Enware Australia is a reputable manufacturer with a selection of bubbler solutions to fit the needs of any public space or building. They have recently released a new Blueline Bubbler range which has handles that are light and easy to use, and five different models are available. Enware Australia’s products are made to last and are designed to save water and reduce ongoing maintenance in challenging environments.
For more on how incorporating bubblers into your design can have a lasting impact on a community’s health, please download this free whitepaper.
