60% of the human body consists of water. Every human depends on water to live. It is integral to not only our survival but also life. Some of my best memories involve water. Swimming in the ocean till sunset, having water gun fights with my siblings, even taking in Niagara Falls for the first time. Water can be packaged in many forms: water bottles, fire hoses, water slides, and most importantly, water fountains. I have been a consistent water fountain user since the age of five. Screaming “One two three that’s enough for me” at my peers just to get a chance to lap up a few golden drops from the fountain, it used to be a place of self-care. Just got a bad grade in class? Water fountain. Received a kickball to the face? Water Fountain. Its dysfunction disrupts full days. When I was in the third grade, a boil advisory caused a delay in the school day, and some students did not even show up. The water fountains became wrapped in plastic large signs warning of death if used. When their use was permitted once more, we all cheered in glee. During the pandemic, water fountains became taboo. Little red caps donned the faucets, locked with dramatically large padlocks, ensuring inactivity. Maybe some would contribute the death of the water fountain to COVID, but I know the truth. The water fountain has died with WT High School. If you are apt at observation, you will see that in the Winchester Thurston High School, there are only six available water fountains. One in the athletics wing of Molloy Posner Hall, three in the main high school building, and two in the Davis Center. All of which I consider to be subpar. The following is my ranking of these cascades of disappointments:
- Main High School – bottom floor
If I were to guess the origin of this water, I would say that it is coming from a glass in someone’s grandma’s basement that has been sitting there for half a century. Its dusty, almost hot presentation is less than exciting. Additionally, the fountain itself seems to have been present at WT since before even Mr. Jones’ time.
- The Davis Center – second floor
Initially, we were all excited about the Davis Center water fountains. Brand new building, brand new chance at crystal ice cold aqua. Alas, we were met with disappointment. To describe the water flowing forth from this source, the only thing that comes to mind is disappointment and intermediate temperature.
- Main High School – Second Floor
While not quite as warm as the bottom floor, the second floor of the main high school building still has that essence of unsettling warmth. This being said, the main deduction of points ultimately leading to this fountain placing 4th is its unnaturally short standing. It is hard to decide how to unawkwardly approach this, the classic bent over? A crouch? Not sure. It is too short for any situation to go smoothly, therefore if I have to get a refresher, I will not be picking this option.
- Main High School – First Floor
Finally reaching our podium, third place is claimed by the first floor of the main high school building. Not lukewarm, still somewhat awkwardly low to the ground, this water fountain can get the job done. However, it still feels unnatural to drink water from a source so close to the wafting smell of the bathroom. I am not entirely sure how the water pipelines are configured in our school, but I would be forever pleased if we could get a larger variety of the placement of these fountains, farther away from the toilets. Beyond this uncomfortable placement, the water is nearly ice cold, and truly refreshing on a hot spring day when the AC is broken.
- Davis Center – first floor
Unlike Davis Center’s second-floor fountain, the water coming from this source does have a slight chill. I was initially put onto this fountain by Dr. Gough after attempting to use the upstairs one in his presence. While I do agree it is at a higher degree of greatness than the second floor I am an infrequent user so cannot place this at first.
- Athletics Wing
Coming in as our winner, the athletics wing water fountain is the epitome of a successful design. Properly sized, ice-cold water, and the water shoots high enough that you do not have to get too close to the fountain itself. Bonus points: There is a water bottle filler as well. Perfectly clicking water initiators that don’t hurt your fingers to push down, this is my go-to.
