The Minnesota Department of Health awarded the Brainerd Public Library with one of 10 water bottle filling station grants in Minnesota communities. The library was able to purchase an Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant, fluoride-preserving water bottle filling station. A water bottle filling station is a water fountain or water cooler supplemented with a spout that permits vertical delivery of drinking water to easily fill a water bottle or cup.
Communities with water bottle filling stations promote health and address health inequities by providing community members with no cost, sugar-free beverages helping to protect teeth from decay.
Benefits of installing a water unit to our community:
• Provides a healthy alternative to sugary drinks.
• Removes lead from drinking water.
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• Keeps cavity-fighting fluoride in the water.
• Promotes hydration.
• Convenient way to fill your water bottle with fewer spills.
The library will celebrate the new station with a "Rethink Your Drink" campaign throughout the month of October thanks to a partnership with Crow Wing Energized. If individuals "Rethink Their Drink" and choose water instead of a sugar-sweetened beverage 10 times they will win a prize.
Entry forms can be picked up at the library's front desk.
