Water Insecurity in K-12 Schools in the U.S.: Understanding State Laws, Drinking Water Violations, and Lived Experiences
Introduction: Access to safe, reliable drinking water is essential for children's health, development, and academic success. This study examines water insecurity in U.S. K-12 schools, focusing on state policies, county-level violations, associated outcomes, and school staff experiences.Methods:...
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| Format: | Dissertation |
| Language: | English |
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ProQuest Dissertations & Theses
01-01-2024
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| Online Access: | Get full text |
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| Summary: | Introduction: Access to safe, reliable drinking water is essential for children's health, development, and academic success. This study examines water insecurity in U.S. K-12 schools, focusing on state policies, county-level violations, associated outcomes, and school staff experiences.Methods: This mixed-methods study utilized secondary data analysis, mapping, regression analyses, and primary data collection. Secondary data from state sources were used to examine the presence of state legislation and Department of Education and Department of Health policies on school drinking water across the United States, examine associations between state legislation and policies with county drinking water violations, and investigate relationships between water violations and food insecurity, high school graduation rates, and child mortality. Geospatial maps were created to visualize legislation and policy distribution and drinking water violation patterns. Primary data were collected through a mixed-methods survey of school staff (n=22) in Hinds County, Mississippi, to explore perspectives on water insecurity.Results: Legislation addressing this issue existed in 58% of states, while 46% had policies established by their Departments of Education. Additionally, 42% of states implemented policies through their Departments of Health. No significant association was found between total state policy scores and county drinking water violation rates. Regression analyses revealed that counties with violations had significantly higher food insecurity and lower high school graduation rates compared to those without violations. Unexpectedly, drinking water violations were associated with lower child mortality. Qualitative data from school staff revealed adaptations to water insecurity, including reliance on bottled water. Water insecurity impacted school operations, and meal programs- challenging food safety practices and menu planning. Staff reported an erosion of trust in water quality, with many opting for bottled water.Conclusion: Findings highlight inconsistent state-level policies, widespread county water violations, and negative associations with key outcomes. School staff experiences expressed challenges with water insecurity. Results emphasize the need for comprehensive policies, sustainable infrastructure investments, and community engagement to address water insecurity in schools. |
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| ISBN: | 9798384437994 |