17 Idaho Schools Received New Water Fountains/Bottle Filling Stations

Delta Dental of Idaho is helping thousands of Idaho students and school staff stay healthier by improving access to clean drinking water. Through its annual grant program, the nonprofit dental benefits provider has awarded 17 K–12 schools across the state with new Elkay® water fountains/bottle-filling stations. This initiative is part of Delta Dental of Idaho's "Rethink Your Drink" grant program, encouraging children to choose water over sugar-sweetened beverages.

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Students with the bottle filling station and their water bottles at Rupert Elementary, one of the Rethink Your Drink grant recipients last year.

Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease among children, despite being nearly 100% preventable. Research shows sugar-sweetened beverages are a leading contributor to cavities and other oral health issues. By encouraging students and staff to “Rethink Your Drink” and choose water throughout the day, Delta Dental of Idaho aims to support lifelong healthy habits.

“Water is the simplest, healthiest, and most affordable choice for both children and adults,” said Heather Brown, senior director of oral health and community outreach at Delta Dental of Idaho. “By replacing outdated drinking fountains with modern filling stations, we’re making it easier for students and staff to choose water over sugary drinks and to improve both their oral and overall health.”

In addition to the filling stations, each school received reusable water bottles and toothbrush kits for all students and staff, along with access to an optional oral health curriculum. Together, these resources promote healthier hydration choices while supporting good oral hygiene habits.

This year’s grant awards will impact more than 6,300 students and staff across Idaho.

2025 “Rethink Your Drink” recipients:

1. Canfield Middle School – Coeur d’Alene
2. Declo Elementary – Declo
3. Edgemont Elementary – Idaho Falls
4. Fruitland Early Childhood Center – Fruitland
5. Hagerman High School – Hagerman
6. Hawthorne Elementary – Idaho Falls
7. Hillcrest Elementary – American Falls
8. Indian Hills Elementary – Pocatello
9. Lindy Ross Elementary – Dubois
10. Marsing Elementary – Marsing
11. North Idaho Christian School – Hayden
12. Pocatello Valley Montessori School – Pocatello
13. Potlatch Elementary – Potlatch
14. Silver Valley Christian Academy – Kellogg
15. South Fork Elementary – Rigby
16. Tendoy Elementary – Pocatello
17. Wendell Middle School – Wendell

Delta Dental of Idaho’s community outreach department’s programs for children include the Grins on the Go school sealant program and the Land of Smiles program, a fun, age-appropriate show that teaches children in kindergarten through third grade about good oral health care. To learn more about the Rethink Your Drink program, call 1-866-894-3563 or visit https://www.deltadentalid.com/community-outreach/grants/#rethink.

About Delta Dental of Idaho

Delta Dental of Idaho is the leading dental benefits carrier in the state, providing quality, affordable dental plans for both companies and individuals. We are a not-for-profit organization seeking to improve the dental health of all Idahoans through our plan offerings and community outreach programs. Nationally, Delta Dental member companies provide coverage to more than 90 million Americans. For more information, visit deltadentalid.com.

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By replacing outdated drinking fountains with modern filling stations, we’re making it easier for students and staff to choose water over sugary drinks and to improve both their oral and overall health.