Board directs staff to pursue school drinking-water fixes; Valley Water expected to fund

The Board approved a referral to create a coordinated Healthy Hydration Initiative aimed at making it easier for students, parents and school staff to report faulty or poor‑quality drinking fountains and for the county to work with Valley Water and school districts to prioritize repairs or upgrades. Supervisor Lee proposed a website and reporting mechanism to flag problem dispensers and to triage simple fixes (filters, minor plumbing) vs larger infrastructure repairs. The motion was approved after supervisors agreed it should be contingent on Valley Water providing funding; staff were directed to return with an implementation plan after the water agency takes action.

Supervisors said the initiative addresses public‑health and equity concerns: several board members described schools with aging facilities and students who must carry heavy personal water bottles in lieu of accessible drinking stations. Vice President Arenas suggested leveraging First 5 and other past efforts rather than re‑inventing programs.

What’s next: staff will pursue Valley Water’s participation and return with a funded implementation plan and needs‑based prioritization for schools.