Water is much more than just a thirst quencher. It is a central building block for our health and well-being. On the one hand, it ensures basic physical and cognitive functions, and on the other, it creates spaces for relaxation and regeneration. With this holistic understanding in mind, Hof University of Applied Sciences is launching a new project to promote a more conscious approach to drinking water. The initiative is being implemented together with AOK Bayern: The Green Oasis, AOK Bayern’s #trinkmehr!
The aim of the project is to raise awareness of the importance of drinking water – particularly in public spaces and in the everyday lives of students and staff at the university. Hof University of Applied Sciences is taking on a pioneering role here: as a scientific location, it is one of two public institutions in Bavaria that are being investigated as part of the campaign. The focus is on the question of which factors influence the use and provision of drinking water in public spaces.
How do we actually drink?
To begin with, the project team is analyzing the use of the existing drinking water station in Building B of the university. This involves recording how often and by whom water is drawn there – for example, by students, employees or the building management team. At the same time, the amount of mineral water sold at the nearby vending machines is being investigated. This is not just about quantities, but also about motives: Why do people prefer to reach for the bottle instead of the tap? Are differences in health perceived? The results of a survey already carried out as part of a student project provide initial indications. These have been published under the title “Tapping water – protecting the environment: Drinking culture as a hands-on project”.
Culture, hygiene, habit: what influences our drinking behavior?
The next step involves in-depth surveys. They are intended to clarify the motives behind individual drinking behavior:
- Do people bring their own water bottles?
- Do they trust the quality of the tap water?
- Do cultural preferences – for example, for still or sparkling water – play a role?
- Are there hygiene concerns or seasonal differences?
All these aspects are included in the analysis.
From data collection to vision: the ideal “green oasis”
The project is not limited to simply taking stock. Rather, the aim is to develop a vision for the future together with the university family: A new “green oasis” is to be created on campus in the coming year – a place that addresses the needs of users, focuses on health and at the same time rethinks the provision of drinking water.
What framework conditions promote a sustainable water culture? And how can the insights gained be transferred to other locations? This is also part of the study.
In addition to collecting data, a central concern of the project is to raise public awareness. Information campaigns and targeted communication measures are intended to raise awareness of the topic.
In the long term, the aim is to produce a practical guide that shows how drinking water can be better provided in public spaces – and, above all, how it can be better perceived and used.
