Water filters at Wingham High School aid healthy teeth

Students at Wingham High School will be the first to take part in an innovative trial, in which taste and odour filters will be fitted to school bubblers.

The trial, which is supported by Hunter New England Health as part of the state-wide Teeth for Health program, will encourage students to drink tap water at the school.  

Teeth for Health Project Manager John Irving said students were in the process of completing surveys to assess their water drinking habits and preferences.

“The school’s water supply is fluoridated, but some of the initial feedback indicates people are of the opinion that tap water tastes better if it is filtered on-site,” Mr Irving said.

“One of the encouraging factors the survey is revealing is that the majority of students who have water bottles refill them at home, rather than consistently purchasing new ones.

“We hope that the filters will encourage students to fill up their water bottles at school as well,” he said.  

With recommendations based on the National Health and Medical Research Council’s Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, Choice Magazine has supported the claim that tap water is better than bottled water, especially if it is fluoridated.

The school’s water filters will be fitted with flow meters to determine the use, and frequency, of students using school bubblers.

Records will be maintained by students from the school’s Student Representative Council.

“From a public health perspective, it’s important that if fluoridated water is available, accessing it is equally important,” Mr Iriving said. 

“Even though only a tiny amount of fluoride is added to the water, it is enough to strengthen tooth enamel and protect against decay. 

“By drinking fluoridated water, students will have an inbuilt dental ‘repair kit’ because the fluoride actually reverses early decay by remineralisng tooth enamel,” he said.

Principal of Wingham High School David Elliott and the Wingham High School P&C have supported the implementation of the school survey as well as the innovative filtration trial.

Media Inquiries: Nicole Fuller, (02) 4921 4477 or 0408 665 019 (Ref: HNE-1387)

Contact: Nicole Fuller

Phone: (02) 4921 4477