RSA 200:11-b · Water Bottle Filling Stations in Schools

200:11-b Water Bottle Filling Stations in Schools. –
I. [Repealed.]
II. All construction or renovation of public school buildings, including any approved project under RSA 198:15-c, shall be equipped with water bottle filling stations meeting the following requirements:
(a) A water bottle filling station shall mean a water dispenser accessible to all people in compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.) that dispenses clean drinking water directly into a bottle or other drinking container.
(b) Water bottle filling stations may be touchless for sanitary reasons.
(c) Water bottle filling stations installed in public schools under this section shall:
(1) Be regularly cleaned to maintain sanitary conditions;
(2) Be maintained to ensure they function properly, including replacing filters as recommended by the manufacturers; and
(3) Dispense clean, filtered, cooled drinking water.
III. The local building inspection authority, pursuant to RSA 155-A, of school districts shall not approve the plans or specifications for a new public school building and for any addition or substantial renovation to an existing public school building unless the plans and specifications provide for:
(a) A minimum of one water bottle filling station for every 200 people projected to occupy the building upon completion of the proposed construction.
(b) A minimum of one water bottle filling station on each floor or wing of each building.
(c) A minimum of one water bottle filling station located near cafeterias, gymnasiums, or outdoor recreation spaces and other high-traffic areas.
(d) Water bottle filling stations may be integrated into drinking fountains, at a ratio of 1 combination unit for every 200 people.
IV. Schools shall permit students to bring to school water bottles that:
(a) Are made of a material that is not easily breakable;
(b) Have lids to prevent spills; and
(c) Are filled exclusively with water.
V. The school board may enact a disciplinary policy regarding the misuse of water bottles by students or employees.
Source. 2022, 149:1, eff. Sept. 5, 2022. 2023, 6:1, eff. June 25, 2023.