Water Fountains for Clement Howell High School

Provo Water Company Installs Drinking Water Fountains at Clement Howell High School

Small choices can make a big difference.

As part of the 15th Annual Drinking Water Week, Provo Water Company was delighted to install two refrigerated drinking water fountains at Clement Howell High School. The presentation took place on May 28th and brought together students, partners and community representatives to celebrate the importance of safe drinking water, hydration and conservation.

This project marks the launch of Provo Water Company’s Hydration Initiative and the commissioning of its first water fountain pilot project.

The idea began during Provo Water Company’s 14th Annual Drinking Water Week, when the company wanted to create a community outreach initiative with lasting value. The aim was to do more than celebrate drinking water for one week. Provo Water Company wanted to support a practical project that would promote hydration, encourage healthier habits and strengthen the company’s “Trust the Tap” message.

From that vision came the idea of installing refrigerated water fountains in schools. The original plan was to install units at both Clement Howell High School and A. Louise Garland Thomas High School. However, after careful consideration, Provo Water Company decided to begin with a pilot project at Clement Howell High School. This will allow the company to assess how the fountains perform in a school setting, particularly outdoors and exposed to the elements, before determining the next phase of the initiative.

Although the project began last year, some challenges delayed the original timeline. However, the vision remained, and Provo Water Company stayed committed to completing the project. This year, with Provo Water Company sponsoring the water fountains and installation, the first step of the Hydration Initiative has now been delivered.

The pilot project includes two refrigerated water fountains, each with a bottle-filling station so students and staff can refill reusable bottles throughout the school day. Under the technical oversight of Water Operations Director, Mr. Guy Bouchard, who served as lead engineer for the project, Provo Water Company researched, identified and selected fountains that met the right standard for the school environment.

Recognising the importance of protecting the equipment from sun and weather, Provo Water Company also sponsored the installation of a roof covering over the fountain area. This provides shade and shelter, helping to preserve the units and support their long-term use by the school community.

The decision to install refrigerated fountains was also important. In the Turks and Caicos climate, cool drinking water is often more appealing, especially for students. By making cool, safe drinking water easily accessible, the initiative aims to encourage students to drink more water, refill their bottles and develop healthier hydration habits.

The presentation was made even more special with the support of Graceway Communities, who were on hand to give out refillable water bottles and provide a fresh fruit station for students. Their support helped reinforce the message that hydration, healthy choices and reducing single-use plastic all go hand in hand.

Provo Water Company was also honoured to hear from Hon. Kyle Knowles, Minister of Health and Human Services, who spoke about the importance of drinking water, staying hydrated and choosing water over sugary drinks.

PWC staff were also on hand to speak with students about where their water comes from, why it is safe to drink and how every one of us can play a part in protecting this valuable resource. From turning off taps to reporting leaks and choosing refillable bottles, small everyday actions can help make a real difference.

Graceway Communities, represented by Ms. Isabella Stanbrook, also joined the initiative after reaching out with a similar vision to support hydration in schools. Through this shared commitment, Graceway Communities became a valued partner in the project, helping to strengthen the impact of the initiative for students and the wider community.

This project is about more than installing water fountains. It is about encouraging a culture of hydration, supporting healthier choices and helping students understand the value of drinking safe water throughout the day.

The project also supports wider efforts to reduce single-use plastic on island. By encouraging refillable bottles and trust in safe drinking water, Provo Water Company hopes to help students make small daily choices that contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable environment.

Provo Water Company continues to promote safe drinking water and to invest in the community through education, awareness and practical projects that support healthier, more sustainable choices.

For Provo Water Company and HAB Group, this initiative reflects a continued commitment to safe drinking water, education, community investment and sustainability. It is a practical step towards healthier habits, stronger partnerships and a better understanding of how access to drinking water can support school communities across the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Thank you to Clement Howell High School, Graceway Communities, the Ministry of Health and Human Services and everyone involved in supporting this initiative.

Conservation starts with knowledge, and it grows through simple choices made every day.