Examining Differences in the Implementation of School Water-Quality Practices and Water-Access Policies by School Demographic Characteristics

This research paper examines whether there are differences in water quality, availability, and education-related practices in schools with differing demographic characteristics using data from the 2014 School Health Policies and Practices Study (SHPPS), a nationally representative, cross-sectional survey of US schools. The authors find that less than half of schools flush drinking water outlets after periods of non-use, conduct periodic inspections that test drinking water outlets for lead, and require staff training on drinking water quality. Most schools teach the importance of water consumption and offer free drinking water in the cafeteria. Some water-related school practices differed by school demographic characteristics though no consistent patterns of associations by school characteristics emerged. SHPPS data suggest many schools would benefit from support to implement best practices related to school-drinking water.