New vs. Old

New vs. Old

By JJ Martin

Sentry Staff Reporter

As students returned from spring break, many had to rub their eyes to adjust to a new addition. Over the break, Arlington Public Schools maintenance personnel installed seven new water fountains. Each floor has one except the fountain in the A building on the second floor because it is a different brand. Junior Alex Balser, a lacrosse player, loves the new water fountains.

“Water is life,” said Balser.

The push for more environment friendly water fountains started two years ago when a video was shown in AP Environmental Science and Charlotte Gorman, a 2012 graduate, was really determined to have better fountains. The Environmental Action Club also played a major part in getting the fountains installed.

“I hope kids will bring water bottles from home,”  said Michael Zito, Biology and Science Department Chair.

The new fountains are faster way to refill water bottles according to Zito. At the old ones, students could wait for 15 to 20 seconds for the water to get at the top, but now it only takes five or six seconds to fill up. This also means less of a backup at the water fountain, creating more time to talk with friends and not having to rush to classes.

“A little known fact that I hope to get out to everyone is that if you twist your water bottle right before the bottle is full, the water flow stops which saves water and reduces waste,” said Zito.

One of the many new fountains around the school. Photo by Spencer Croft
One of the many new fountains around the school. Photo by Spencer Croft

The new fountains sit on top of the old fountains and provide easier access to water. Instead of having to tilt the water bottle, students can now place their bottle under the fountain and not have to worry about if their bottle gets filled all the way.

“They’re like from another planet,” said sophomore Ben McKelvain.

The only drawback about the new fountains is that they do not purify the water. The cost of having filters and replacing them would be too much and APS is not going to pay for replacement filters.

As it became closer to reality, funding became an issue. Principal Dr. Raymond Pasi wanted the fountains to benefit the whole school before he approved. The county, through Tapped in Arlington, helped provide necessary help to getting them installed in school.  Each fountain costs between $300-$400 which is the reason why not all fountains have one.

“At this time the school did not want to spend the money to buy the vertical fillers for all water fountains in Yorktown,” said senior James Green.

Soon Cathy Lihn who is on the county board, bought two, Pasi bought one, and the Variety Show bought four. As of right now, Yorktown High School is the only school to have these.

As long as Zito is teaching Biology and directing the Variety Show, him, Green and the EAC will continue to make Yorktown a more eco-friendly place.

“As long as I’m here, I’ll buy one or two each year.” said Zito.

 

Featured Image Courtesy of Spencer Croft

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