Modern Water Fountains And Obesity

Berkley, CA residents voted for a sugar-sweetened beverages tax in February 2014, the earliest of its kind in the United States. By taxing sugary drinks, the city hopes to encourage a lot more people to select healthier choices, such as water. Research was conducted to find out the status of local drinking water fountains and whether individuals from other racial or economical backgrounds had reduced access to them. Using information gathered by a mobile GPS app, professionals were able to establish the condition of active water fountains in Berkley. Demographic data on race and income was then gathered using the US Census database. By cross-referencing the water fountain sites with the demographic data, they were in a position to identify whether access to functioning fountains was class dependent. The study was able to establish the demographics of areas with water fountains, also noting whether the shape of the fountains was better or worse in lower class neighborhoods. The fact that the fountains were operating was not a guarantee that they (find more) were well-maintained, given that quite a few were in need of maintenance and repair.