Proud of UCF for water stations

UCF has taken a step in the right direction in helping students and the environment in the form of water bottle refill stations on all water fountains in the Student Union.

We are proud of UCF for making such a wise decision with SGA funds.

The addition of these refill stations creates several benefits for UCF students, faculty and campus guests. Buying water in plastic bottles from the various vending machines on campus can quickly become a costly affair.

Currently a bottle of water costs more than a dollar, making staying hydrated financially horrifying. Students cannot possible be expected to drink six to eight glasses of water a day at these prices. The refill stations are free. This immediately eliminates an extra expense for all water-loving UCF attendees.

Local H1NI flu cases and this week's student meningitis incident are just two reasons to stay hydrated. Many people understand the benefits of water for maintaining a healthy immune system but rarely do they have time to ponder the purity of their drinking water.

UCF took care of the mental hassle while developing these stations by including filtration systems. UCF wanted to ensure the purity of water being dispensed. The systems even come with a built-in water purity safeguard that restricts the flow of water when it is time to change the filter.

We realize that this is a big accomplishment for UCF. A success story that many schools can't replicate.

The lead article on the front page of the New York Times on Sept. 13 was the second in a series of reports on the clean water crisis across America. According to the report, polluters nationwide were found to have violated the Clean Water Act over 500,000 times.

Consequences, from immense pollution and lack of water purification in these states, include rashes, scabs and burning skin. Also in the article, federal regulators say this water could also contribute to cancer and damage the kidneys and immune system from the high chemical concentrations.

UCF students can feel at ease drinking from the fountains in the Student Union knowing that their school took the time to implement filters.

The environment will also benefit from the refill stations. Filling up existing water bottles will help UCF continue its going-green crusade by reducing waste.

We are proud of UCF for taking so much initiative to provide clean, free drinking water in the student union. Since the project has become so popular and exudes advantages for students and the environment we hope to see it implemented across campus on every water fountain.