Safe Drinking Water & Sanitation for Those in Need

As drought tightens its grip on California, national attention is being focused on water issues for the state. Amidst this shortage of water, we must always keep in mind that a sustainable source of safe water is the bedrock of opportunity for a society.

The Need:

Over 25 schools in 2013 throughout California, as documented by the California Department of Public Health, have arsenic contamination in their water, while another 16 schools have high levels of nitrate, a harmful by-product of farming.

• Because of these contaminates, a child may suffer from skin rashes, diarrheal illnesses, pesticide poisoning, circulatory problems, or cancer. 
• These cases lead to long-term absenteeism from school, increased health-related costs and financial stress on the family. 
• Additionally, research demonstrates that when students have access to clean water to drink in school, their health and wellbeing is significantly improved, such as the decrease in obesity or dehydration.
• As documented in a report by California Food Policy Advocates on Improving Water Consumption in Schools, “...the consumption of fluids during meals is a necessary strategy to maintain proper hydration for children.” Dehydration is associated with impaired cognitive function and can adversely affect memory, reasoning, hand-eye coordination, concentration and alertness. 

In total, approximately 75-80 schools in California have harmful contaminates in their water. Cash-strapped schools are struggling to provide students with clean water. State Assemblyman Luis Alejo (30th California Assembly District) recently acknowledged, “Access to clean drinking water in our rural school districts is clearly a problem in California.” 

The Solution:

To mitigate the water challenge facing California, especially in low-income communities who suffer disproportionally, Blue Planet Network is coming forward. "Clean Drinking Water for California Students" is a program designed by Blue Planet Network that brings together a consortium of technical advisors, community advocacy organizations and expert water system implementers based on their track record and commitment to collaborate. 

Program Goals:

• To combine cost-efficient water filtration systems with a community engagement program to reach 3,000 people at a minimum of 5 underserved schools. 
• Provide school-based water system training to a minimum of 25 school administrators (5 per school) to ensure proper maintenance, financing and long- term sustainability.

To ensure the success of this program several evaluation methods will be put into place:

• Survey before and after program implementation the incidence of contaminated drinking water in schools. 
• Survey a sample of the school administration and student population before and after the program to measure the health and obesity levels of students. 
• Track the attendance of students, administrators and community members in water-related presentations and awareness campaigns in school and in the local community. 
• Interview a sample of community members, students and administration before and after the program to understand the “real life” impact of safe drinking water in the schools and on the communities.
• Conduct a final impact study to document the overall health of students and their increased activity and academic performance level. 

Our program will help children stay healthy now, while long-term initiatives tackle the greater agricultural and political causes of California’s water crisis.  The program will be entered onto Blue Planet Network's technology platform to be tracked, shared and monitored through the lifecycle of the project. 

With a reliable source of clean water, schools can provide their students with a healthy future and families can focus on bettering their lives. Thank you so much for joining this important cause here on Global Giving! 

To find our more about this program you may email info@blueplanetnetwork.org.