Q&A: Model Farms High School Wins CBP Grant

  • Customer Name:  Matthew Dawson
  • School or organisation: Model Farms High School
  • Products installed: Aquafil Hydrobank, Aquafil Pulse Senior 1400B

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Model Farms High School upgraded their drinking water facilities after a successful grant application in 2021
Model Farms High School upgraded their drinking water facilities after a successful grant application.

New drinking water stations update old-fashioned bubblers.

Model Farms High School was a successful applicant for the NSW CBP Grant in 2021.  Find out if you are eligible and what steps you need to take to apply for the  CBP Grant NSW has made available in 2022 (cbp grant 2022)

We sat down for a Q&A with teacher Matthew Dawson to learn more about his process of selecting drinking water stations and choosing the right locations to achieve the best outcomes for the students and the school.

The P&C were able to fund the purchase of 4 water stations while the grant application was able to fund the purchase of 3 water refill stations.

The Hydrobank drinking fountain outlets replaced the old bubbler system we have at the school.

With the successful grant application, my focus was on creating a more sustainable water delivery system at the school. – Matthew Dawson, teacher at Model Farms High School 

The water refill stations were placed in 3 strategic areas;

  • in the school classroom area,
  • next to the hall,
  • next to the basketball courts.

Q: What can you tell us about your community?

A: Our school is quite an old school, therefore we have very old-fashioned bubblers and no water-saving or sustainability focus. The school also has much after-hours use through a variety of organisations and sporting groups that utilise the school hall, classrooms, and sporting fields.

Q: Why did you decide to purchase drinking water stations from Civiq?

A: The large bubbler system was perfect for replacing the old existing bubblers. They also were better with the current Covid situation in terms of hygiene.

The water refill stations were simple and effective. The cost of 3 fitted with the amount I received through the grant process. Civiq also has a good rep and I trusted the product.

Model Farms Student utilising Civiq Aquafil Hydrobank drinking fountain
Model Farms students love gathering around their new drinking fountain – the Hydrobank

Q: What matters most to you when choosing drinking water products for your community?

A: Strong build, simple mechanism, looks appealing, flexibility in choice/design.

Civiq Aquafil Pulse enjoying by Model Farms High School Students
The Aquafil Pulse Senior 1400B is popular with all students.

Q: Which doubts or hesitations did you have before purchasing new drinking water stations?

A: The large bubbler system was a simple choice as it replaced the existing bubblers perfectly.

Aquafil Water Bottle Refilling Station installed in a school as part of the cbp grant 2022

Q: Which doubts or hesitations did you have before purchasing new drinking water stations?

A: The large bubbler system was a simple choice as it replaced the existing bubblers perfectly.

The free-standing water bottle refill was a bit tricky. I went with no bubbler as I wanted to promote students needing to bring a reusable bottle rather than rely on a bubbler.  Also, kids would stand or sit on the bubbler part and most probably damage the station.

Model Farms High School Students using their Aquafil drinking fountain and water refilling station as part of cbp grant 2022
The location for the Pulse drinking fountain was chosen for its proximity to the basketball courts.

Q: Would you recommend Aquafil by Civiq drinking water stations to others? Why?

A: Yes, easy to work with, good product, not too pushy with sales, fairly quick responses.

Student at Model Farms High School posting with Civiq Aquafil Hydrobank Hydration Station as part of cbp grant 2022
The Hydrobank was selected to replace the existing bubblers, providing cost savings at installation.

Do you think your community’s drinking water stations could improve?

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