Two water bottle filling stations have been installed in the C Hallway of Timber Creek for the start of the 2015-16 school year.
The filling stations were donated by the Earth Warriors Environmental Club following a 2014 fundraiser.
“The Earth Warriors started the project in March of 2014 with the goal of installing two water bottle filling stations in the school to decrease disposable plastic bottle usage and trash,” club sponsor Craig Arkfeld said via e-mail. The club raised money by selling Timber Creek reusable water bottles and received contributions from the Timber Creek community.
However, there were challenges to installing the stations.
“The new wing [C Hallway] was being constructed, so we decided to have them installed during summer construction,” Arkfeld explained. “Unfortunately the new fountains did not fit with the filling stations so we had to return them and order the correct brand. We received them in the fall of 2014 and worked to have them installed.”
Arkfeld said while the Timber Creek administration was supportive, there was conflict over installation at the district level.
“Mr. Elliot was working with the district but they refused to put them in because it might not be fair to other schools,” Arkfeld said in an e-mail.
During the 2014-15 school year, the frustration over installing the stations was shared on Twitter.
Hey timber students, does this upset you? #cleanwater @Garza_TCHS pic.twitter.com/X9PZRbGemp
— TCHS SENIORS (@TCHS2016) April 15, 2015
The persistence of Arkfeld and Earth Warriors club president Antonio Mendez helped get the project approved and completed over the summer.
“These water bottle filling stations have been frustrating but in the end they will be appreciated by students and staff,” Arkfeld said. “They will offer a non-caloric, filtered water that will lower our footprint due to plastic waste and recycling.”
If students are interested in joining the Earth Warriors Environmental Club, see Mr. Arkfeld in M212 or email craig.arkfeld@kellerisd.net.