School Water Fountains

Ensuring Clean Drinking Water in the Los Angeles Unified School District

Helping Youth Make Health Happen in Schools

Overview

Testing showed that water from drinking fountains in schools within the Los Angeles Unified School District was often tainted with unhealthy levels of lead. Our corps of youth advocates at Roosevelt High School organized students and parents, and worked with LAUSD staff to secure a districtwide policy to upgrade fountains and ensure all fountain water within the district is safe to drink.

Community Mobilization

Students gathered hundreds of signatures and rallied students to testify at school board meetings.

Partnership Building

We rallied a coalition of community-based organizations, students, parents, and supportive school district staff to support needed policy changes.

Policy Change

In April 2019, LAUSD allocated $15 million to test water quality and upgrade drinking fountains throughout the district.

Media Coverage

Resources

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The full case study is in progress. Check back soon to explore further.