Agua4All helps install water bottle filling stations in schools and community locations to help deliver safe, appealing, and affordable drinking water.
Provides education, promotes healthy beverage choices. Ensures students stay hydrated, In many rural California communities, contaminated water and aging utility systems are commonplace. In others, public water systems were never built in the first place. South Kern County and Eastern Coachella Valley are major agricultural areas. The two regions are home to more than 150,000 low-income residents,
many of whom are Latino farmworkers. These farmworkers are the backbone for a multi-million dollar agribusiness economy in both regions, yet their living conditions rival those of developing countries. Poor water quality in these two regions is a result of naturally-occurring and human-caused contaminants. These contaminants in the water can cause cancer and many other health problems. Eastern Coachella Valley also has the largest mobile home park population in California. Few of the 300 plus parks in the Valley have access to safe drinking water and proper sanitation. South Kern, as well, faces daunting challenges: with a population of 88,000, it suffers from a high poverty rate, substandard education, unhealthy air and water, and limited infrastructure and public services. In a recent California Health Interview Survey, 24 percent of South Kern and 23 percent of Eastern Coachella Valley adults reported their overall health as fair/poor, compared to 16 percent throughout the state. The survey also noted that 73 percent of South Kern and 58 percent of Eastern Coachella Valley children drank sugar-sweetened beverages the day before the survey was administered, as compared to just 40 percent of children surveyed statewide. Despite state and federal laws that require schools to provide free, readily available water to children during meal times, about 40 percent of California schools do not meet this mandate. This means about 2.5 million children do not have adequate access. Limited water access may also increase risk for obesity and diabetes, because without water, the nearest and most affordable drink may be a sugary beverage. To address many of these issues, Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) is partnering with The California Endowment in Agua4All, an innovative pilot program that will increase access to and consumption of clean drinking water in South Kern County and Eastern Coachella Valley. Through Agua4All, RCAC will install at least 120 water dispensers in schools and other public places throughout the areas. These “taps” will also provide water treatment specifically to filter out arsenic or other contaminants where needed so that residents will finally have access to potable water. Reusable bottles also will be made available to optimize access. Two local community organizations, Community Water Center and Pueblo Unido Community Development Corporation, will provide on-the-ground support for the year-long pilot. If the demonstration is successful, and if funding can be secured, RCAC plans to expand the project across rural California. Agua4All raises awareness about the lack of safe drinking water access in schools and communities; creates unique public-private partnerships to install water taps where they are needed most; and advocates for sustainable long-term solutions to ensure safe drinking water for all. No matter who you are, nor where you live, you should be able to drink a glass of water from a tap in your home or neighborhood and not worry that it will make you sick. Unfortunately, this isn't a reality for many Californians, especially for those in rural areas. Agua4All aims to change this in a substantial and sustainable way.
08/26/2022
is winding down but our work continues! Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) administered the statewide Bottled Water for Schools Program funded through the California State Water Board’s Safe and Affordable Drinking Water Fund. The funding covers purchase and delivery of bottled drinking water for schools, in five-gallon containers, as well as dispensers and cups.
The program serves kindergarten and grades 1-12, preschools, and child day care facilities. Sites must be located on public school property with a current water quality impairment. Check out our team's accomplishments to date!
08/15/2022
It's ! This week, is jetting off to Columbus, Ohio for the RCAP 2022 National Conference! Wally is excited to represent , and he looks forward to connecting with RCAC’s national partner organizations in our collective efforts to make clean, safe drinking water more accessible and affordable for all. If you’d like to learn more about Wally’s work, go here: https://www.rcac.org/environmental/agua4all/
07/13/2022
On check out this free toolkit to help encourage water access -- especially during these hot summer months!
Although summer does not officially begin until June 21st, many of us are already experiencing intense heat. Wally the Water Droplet is here to remind you to stay hydrated and listen to your body! Water needs vary depending on age, body size, climate, and activity level. Most toddlers need at least 32 ounces of water a day, and most teenagers need between 64- 88 ounces. The majority of adults need between 72- 104 ounces of water a day. Roughly 60 percent of adults’ body weight is made up of water, and even a small amount of dehydration can affect energy level and mood. Wally the Water Droplet recommends carrying a water bottle with you throughout the day and drinking water with every meal and snack to stay on top of your hydration. Take good care of yourself, everyone!
Learn more about here: https://www.rcac.org/environmental/agua4all/
Source: Harvard School of Public Health, citing the National Academy of Medicine: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/water/
05/18/2022
Does your school have a current water quality impairment or an insufficient water supply? If so, your school may qualify for free bottled water deliveries under the Bottled Water for Schools program! This state-funded program serves public schools who are experiencing water quality or supply issues. We want to work with you to ensure that your students and staff have access to clean, safe water every day. An RCAC staff member can assist with the application process. Please reach out to [email protected] for more information. 😊
02/17/2022
Sharing yesterday's post from RCAC on the value of backup generators!
Interested in applying for Drinking Water for Schools funds? See below for details!
School staff and community members are invited to attend this free workshop on Drinking Water for Schools Round 2. RCAC and Self-Help Enterprises will accept applications from Local Education Agencies (LEAs) and provide oversight and guidance to carry out projects on public school properties.
Workshop agenda:
• Program Background
• Eligible Entities and Projects
• Application Process
• Implementation Process
• Bottled Water for Schools program overview
When: Friday, January 28, 2022 • 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m
Register here: https://attendee.gototraining.com/r/6272105126910376449
12/10/2021
to our mascot Wally the Water Drop's travels. Here, he joined his RCAC colleagues to visit Orland, CA. Did you know that since the program's inception, nearly 600 water bottle filling stations have been installed in California schools and communities? More program information here: https://agua4all.rcac.org/
11/05/2021
Happy Friday, Happy Fall from Wally the Water Drop! It's our annual reminder that even when it's cold outside we all need to stay hydrated! Learn how helps rural schools and communities improve access to drinking water! https://agua4all.rcac.org/whats-new/
10/28/2021
If your school or community is interested in applying for Drinking Water for Schools Round 2 funding, RCAC can help provide technical assistance. Learn more here: https://agua4all.rcac.org/dw4sr2/
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