The Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) announced its long-term solution to provide clean drinking water for the more than 50,000 students and staff throughout the district, with the installation of water hydration systems.
In addition, DPSCD announced support from approximately a dozen philanthropic partners who have committed $2.4 million to support the purchase and installation of the hydration systems to be placed in every school building by summer of 2019.
“We worked expeditiously to identify a long-term drinking water solution that ensures all students and staff have access to safe and clean drinking water,” said Nikolai P. Vitti, Superintendent of DPSCD.
“We are extremely grateful to our donors who continue to step up and assist us with maintaining a safe learning environment.” The DPSCD Board of Education unanimously approved the implementation and funding of hydration stations in all DPSCD schools today during a special board meeting.
They are also working to raise additional funds from the community through a dedicated website link at http://www.UnitedWayWaterFund.org.
Until the hydration stations are installed, schools will continue to use water coolers.
We stand firmly with the district in putting the safety of our children first and ask the community’s support of our special campaign so that students have access to clean drinking water.” Similar hydration stations are being used in multiple districts around the country, as well as locally in Royal Oak, Ann Arbor and Birmingham schools, suburban school districts in Michigan.
“The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) applauds Superintendent Dr. Nikolai Vitti for being proactive and testing all of the water taps at all of the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) school buildings.
Included in this packet is a letter from the Detroit Health Department.
The District extends a special thank you to the donors, and all involved who have put this plan in place.