More tap water refilling stations to come at SF schools, parks

San Francisco plans to install more lead-free tap water refilling stations at schools and open spaces thanks in part to revenue generated by the 2016 voter-approved tax on sugary beverages.

Mayor London Breed Monday announced that $805,000 was set aside in The City’s budget to allow the San Francisco Unified School District to install 22 additional water tap stations in schools and the Recreation and Parks Department to install 14 stations in parks and open spaces.

The initiative is partially funded with revenue derived from the so called “Soda Tax,” which imposed a one cent per ounce tax on distribution of sugary beverages.

Breed said in a statement:

“If we’re serious about moving children away from sugary, unhealthy beverages then we need to provide healthy alternatives. We have worked hard to address this equity issue by installing clean, healthy water tap stations throughout San Francisco. Thanks to the City’s Soda Tax, we are expanding this important program, ensuring that every student in our public school system has access to our great tap water.”

Since the effort to install lead-free tap water filling stations began in 2010, the SFUSD has installed 78 stations at school sites. Rec and Park have installed 29 stations to date.

SFPUC General Manager Harlan L. Kelly, Jr. said in a statement that water tap stations provide a healthier option for The City’s youth. Kelly said:

“Not only are our residents—and in particular our youth—getting a healthy alternative to soda and other sugary drinks, they are also helping to reduce wasteful practices by moving away from plastic bottles.”

According to Breed’s office, the SFPUC has been allocated $165,000 to decide where water tap stations should be installed throughout The City.

There are currently 155 water tap stations in service and another 18 stations pending installation, Breed’s office said.

The public can visit the SFPUC website for locations of water tap stations.

Jerold Chinn

Jerold serves as a reporter and San Francisco Bureau Chief for SFBay covering transportation and occasionally City Hall and the Mayor's Office in San Francisco. His work on transportation has been recognized by the San Francisco Press Club. Born and raised in San Francisco, he graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in journalism. Jerold previously wrote for the San Francisco Public Press, a nonprofit, noncommercial news organization. When not reporting, you can find Jerold taking Muni to check out new places to eat in the city.