§ 200-11-b

200:11-b Water Bottle Filling Stations in Schools. – I. [Repealed.] II. All construction or renovation of public school buildings, including any approved project under RSA 198:15-c, shall be equipped with water bottle filling stations meeting the following requirements: (a) A water bottle filling station shall mean a water dispenser accessible to all people in compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.) that dispenses clean drinking water directly into a bottle or other drinking container. (b) Water bottle filling stations may be touchless for sanitary reasons. (c) Water bottle filling stations installed in public schools under this section shall: (1) Be regularly cleaned to maintain sanitary conditions; (2) Be maintained to ensure they function properly, including replacing filters as recommended by the manufacturers; and (3) Dispense clean, filtered, cooled drinking water. III. The local building inspection authority, pursuant to RSA 155-A, of school districts shall not approve the plans or specifications for a new public school building and for any addition or substantial renovation to an existing public school building unless the plans and

hool districts shall not approve the plans or specifications for a new public school building and for any addition or substantial renovation to an existing public school building unless the plans and specifications provide for: (a) A minimum of one water bottle filling station for every 200 people projected to occupy the building upon completion of the proposed construction. (b) A minimum of one water bottle filling station on each floor or wing of each building. (c) A minimum of one water bottle filling station located near cafeterias, gymnasiums, or outdoor recreation spaces and other high-traffic areas. (d) Water bottle filling stations may be integrated into drinking fountains, at a ratio of 1 combination unit for every 200 people. IV. Schools shall permit students to bring to school water bottles that: (a) Are made of a material that is not easily breakable; (b) Have lids to prevent spills; and (c) Are filled exclusively with water. V. The school board may enact a disciplinary policy regarding the misuse of water bottles by students or employees. Source. 2022, 149:1, eff. Sept. 5, 2022. 2023, 6:1, eff. June 25, 2023.