Hydration systems funded by The Elon Musk Foundation are in operation at schools in Flint, Michigan.
According to Booth Newspapers, there are a total of 136 hydration stations at 12 buildings used by Flint schools.
Flint Southwestern Classical Academy will have 15 hydration stations.
“This means a lot. Water should not be something that we have to pay for - water is a necessity of life. It should not be something we have to fight for,” said Superintendent Kevelin Jones at a Feb. 8 ceremony at the school, reported Booth Newspapers.
According to Booth Newspapers, the fountains filter out lead, chlorine, bacteria and have a chiller as well.
Laura Sullivan, a Kettering professor of mechanical engineering, was recognized for working to get these hydration systems installed since 2016. The hydration system filters were tested by Kettering researchers, again by Arc Environmental, as well as a Flint schools environmental consultant.
“As important it is to have the water be safe, it is more important that people believe it is safe,” said Sullivan, reported Booth Newspapers.
Musk donated $480,000 in Oct. 2018 to cover the cost of installing ultraviolet (UV) water stations in all Flint school buildings.
The district has supplied bottled water to each of the buildings since 2016, reported Booth Newspapers. COVID-19 and issues with the original filter manufacturer slowed down progress for this undertaking, reported The Flint Beat. According to Sullivan, the original filters had inconsistent results and were also not NSF certified for removing contaminants.
Jones, Board of Education President Danielle Green, Principal Chris Ochodnicky, Board Secretary Adrian Walker and 9th grader Rachya Spottsville took the first drinks out of the fountain when it was unveiled.
