Hydrated Students Learn Better: Schools Urged to Prioritize Drinking Water as Hotter-Than-Normal Summer Looms

NOAA predicts widespread above-average temperatures across much of the U.S. as schools increasingly invest in advanced hydration systems to support student health and learning.

Denver, CO, June 5, 2026 -- With temperatures climbing across North America as it heads into summer, health experts are encouraging schools and parents to focus on one of the simplest ways to help students stay healthy, focused and ready to learn: proper hydration.

The warning comes as the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts a hotter-than-normal summer for much of the country. According to NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, widespread above-average temperatures are expected across most of the United States this summer, with the exception of parts of the Great Lakes region and Upper Midwest.

With millions of students spending time outdoors during summer programs, sports activities and the lead-up to the new school year, educators and health advocates say access to safe, appealing drinking water will be increasingly important in helping children stay hydrated and perform at their best.

While dehydration is often associated with athletes and outdoor activities, experts warn that many children and teenagers may not be drinking enough water throughout the school day, particularly during periods of warm weather.

Even mild dehydration can impact concentration, memory, mood, energy levels and cognitive performance—factors that can directly affect learning outcomes in the classroom. Research has shown that dehydration can impair attention, alertness and short-term memory, making hydration an important yet often overlooked component of student wellbeing and academic success.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted the importance of hydration during hot weather, noting that many heat-related health impacts are preventable through simple measures, including maintaining adequate fluid intake.

“Children spend a significant portion of their day at school, making access to clean, appealing drinking water an important part of supporting student health and wellbeing,” said FloWater CEO and co-founder Rich Razgaitis. “When water tastes great and is easily accessible, students are more likely to stay hydrated throughout the day. Better hydration can help support concentration, energy and overall classroom performance.”

Recognizing the connection between hydration, student wellbeing and confidence in school drinking water, a growing number of school districts across North America have upgraded aging fountain infrastructure with FloWater Refill Stations. Districts including California’s Oakland Unified School District, the NYC Department of Education, and others across the United States have adopted FloWater advanced refill systems designed to provide students with purified, better-tasting drinking water while encouraging the use of reusable bottles.

Unlike many traditional drinking fountains and older public-facing water dispensers, FloWater advanced 7x Advanced Purification technology reduces up to 99.9% contaminants while also enhancing taste, helping make drinking water a more attractive choice for students. By delivering purified water that students enjoy drinking, schools can help encourage healthier hydration habits throughout the day.

Warning Signs of Dehydration in Children

Parents, teachers and caregivers should watch for the following symptoms, particularly during periods of warm weather:

• Headaches
• Fatigue or low energy
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability or mood changes
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Dry mouth
• Dark yellow urine
• Reduced physical performance during sports or outdoor activities

Experts recommend encouraging children to drink water regularly throughout the day, particularly before, during and after physical activity and outdoor play. Providing easy access to appealing, great-tasting water can significantly increase the likelihood that students will choose water over sugary beverages.

As schools prepare for warmer months and back-to-school planning, ensuring students have convenient access to safe, great-tasting drinking water may be one of the simplest and most effective ways to support their health, wellbeing and academic success.

--ENDS

Founded in Silicon Valley and based in Denver, FloWater uses 7-stage purification to remove up to 99.9% of toxins – including lead, PFAS, and microplastics – from tap water, delivering ultra-purified hydration.

FloWater leads in pure, great-tasting water and in reducing plastic waste, having saved over a billion plastic bottles from the environment.

Named a World-Changing Idea by Fast Company, FloWater serves over 12,000 clients –including Google, Hyatt, and Oakland Unified School –with sustainable hydration. Learn more at DrinkFloWater.com.