Imagine walking across campus on a hot, humid day. The sun is beating down and nothing would taste better than a cold drink of water.

Unfortunately, as many students have discovered, the water fountains on the Iowa State campus seem to either trickle just a bit of water from the spout or shoot two-foot streams into the face of the drinker. Why is it such a problem trying to get a drink of water at ISU?

John Sluis, assistant director of facilities at ISU, may be able to explain.

Sluis said that most, but not all, water fountains on campus have a pressure regulator. The regulator allows drinkers to adjust the height of the stream, but not the actual water pressure. The water pressure is controlled by the city of Ames. Sluis said the city sets all the water pressures in town at a constant 70 pounds. The only time this may differ is if major construction is going on in Ames that could somehow affect the water pressure in that area.

For those who wish to see more outdoor water fountains, Sluis said it can be done. However, because there are no water utilities pipes on or around most campus sidewalks, it would be very costly.

“They are difficult to deal with because of vandalism and freezing,” Sluis said.

Sluis said it could cost up to $100,000 to install outdoor water fountains. This is still an option, but it has not been looked at in great detail because there has not been a large amount of interest expressed.

Yet, are water fountains really the best way to receive the recommended six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day? For those who try to keep track of their daily water intake, water fountains may not be the best solution.

“Try carrying around water in a bottle. This makes it much easier to keep track of how much water your body is getting,” Elisabeth Schafer, professor of nutrition, said,

The results of not getting enough water can be extremely harmful. Schafer said such problems could include overworking of the kidneys, constipation, and general overall weakness and fatigue. The worst case scenario would be dehydration, which can result in hospitalization.

Schafer said those in danger of not receiving enough water should try drinking other beverages that are made up mostly of water. Some drinks that are good include Kool-Aid, tea, coffee and even soda pop.