New DPSCD Hydration Stations for Students and Staff this Fall

Approximately one year ago, after Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) Superintendent Dr. Nikolai Vitti ordered testing and the shut off of all school drinking fountains following positive lead results, a press event was held earlier this week at Marcus Garvey school on Detroit’s eastside. During the event Dr. Vitti demonstrated operation of one of the first newly installed water hydration stations to benefit students and staff in September. United Way for Southeastern Michigan among those recognized for answering the call from Dr. Vitti raising nearly $3 million to purchase and install new hydration stations in all 500 DPSCD schools.

At the event Dr. Vitti stated, “United Way was among the first to step up with one of the largest donations of $500,000.” Dr. Vitti and School Board Chair Dr. Iris Taylor also thanked United Way and others for their support and were among the first to take a sip of the water and proclaim it “delicious and cold.”

When DPSCD students and staff return to school next month, they will be given water bottles to fill at hydration stations for convenient refreshment throughout the day. Dr. Vitti also believes many of the students will begin opting for the filtered water over sugary beverages, and thus reap numerous health benefits as well. He also noted funds have been set aside in the District’s budget to replace each of the hydration station water filters as needed.