Funding request for 10 new water stations
Title of Project: Water Stations in every building on campus.
Dollars Requested: 10 stations needed. $4,000 to $7000 each.
(Buildings needing a water station include: H, J, M, N, P, S, T, V, Z and Residence)
Rationale:
Several years ago a drinking fountain replacement project financed by the Students Association upgraded some older, non-functioning, drinking fountains on campus. These water stations have dual height for ease of operation by both able body and wheel chair users. This type of drinking fountain was adopted as the college standard for all new building construction, so these water stations are also found in ACCE, Student Commons, Perth and Pembroke. There are currently 30 Refrigerated Bottle Filling Stations (RBFS) atthe Woodroffecampus.
The continued deployment of 10 additional water stations, would allow every building on campus to have a Refrigerated Bottle Filling Station. This would help promote the culture of sustainability at Algonquin College, by supporting tap water and providing students an alternative to buying plastic bottled water. This project would benefit the entire college community.
Prioritizing accessible public tap water systems is consistent with theprinciples of sustainability that continue to be demonstrated by Algonquin College. Water is a universal right that must be consumed sustainably and be protected.
Business Case:
Tap Water is safer. Tap water guidelines are more stringent and thorough than any regulations for bottled water. The city of Ottawa public water system is one of the best in the world. Water stations installed at Algonquin College help promote responsible use of our water and support our local public water systems.
No touch water fill-ups reduce the spread of colds and flus. Refrigerated Bottle Filling Stations supply chilled, filtered, water from a no-touch bottle filling area. These water stations provide the college community with a needed alternative to plastic bottles and allow students to save money while staying healthy.
Support sustainable action on campus. Water stations would help strengthen campus initiatives to reduce plastic waste and promote public water systems. Their vision is to have water stations that are well maintained, accessible and found in all campus buildings. Providing this infrastructure is an essential part of creating an environment for change.