What's Currently Required?
An array of federal, state, and local policies and regulations govern water availability in schools. Recent legislation created a federal requirement that free drinking water be available to students during school meals. Some states might also have their own policies. In September 2010, California passed legislation, SB 1413 (Leno), to require that free, fresh drinking water be available where meals are served or eaten. Massachusetts has enacted similar legislation and other cities and localities might have similar requirements.
Other local and state policies can also broadly influence access to water in school buildings, but these are generally not specific to availability during meals or in the areas where meals are served or eaten. In addition, state and local policies can govern water safety and water testing.
Because policies to require water availability with school meals are relatively recent, many schools are probably not currently in compliance. Some schools might have existing local policies or rules, perhaps stemming from local school wellness policies, that require water to be available during meals. For more on wellness policies, click here.
What follows is a summary of the current policies related to water access and availability in schools.
