Seeking a solution to this issue, DEVA Party İstanbul MP Evrim Rızvanoğlu took a significant step in 2024 by installing two drinking water fountains in a public school in Istanbul, entirely at her own expense. She also regularly replaces the filters and ensures the water quality is tested.

Rızvanoğlu has consistently argued that access to clean, free water in schools should not be

a privilege but a basic right. Her efforts have not gone unnoticed; while the government has yet to take action, some mayors, inspired by her initiative, have started installing drinking fountains in public schools.

So, how did this project start, and what does it aim to achieve? At wpgw.org, we interviewed Rızvanoğlu to learn more about her important campaign.

1. How did the idea to install free drinking fountains in schools come about?

Evrim Rızvanoğlu:
The idea came from something very simple: the fact that children struggle to access one of their most basic needs—clean water. When I visited schools and spoke with students, I saw that they either had to buy expensive bottled water from the canteen or drink water of questionable hygiene.

This isn't just an economic issue—it's also a public health and environmental problem. On one side, children lack access to water, and on the other, there's a system that generates tons of plastic waste every day. We set out with the belief that by placing drinking water fountains in schools, we can provide students with free access to clean water while also reducing plastic use and protecting the environment.

2. Where did you install the first water fountain?

Evrim Rızvanoğlu:
Our pilot project launched on January 29, 2024, in a school in my constituency in Istanbul. We did this entirely on our own, because it's not enough to just promote an idea—you have to show it's actually feasible. We then had the water tested, and it was confirmed to be top-quality drinking water. We also change the filters every six months.

This is a high-impact, low-cost model. Once installed, the fountains can be used for years, and no child needs to pay for access to water. Our goal was to tell the authorities: "Look, this is doable and it works."

3. What kind of response did you receive once the project was implemented?

Evrim Rızvanoğlu:
The response was incredible! Students, teachers, and parents gave enormous support. What affected me the most was seeing firsthand how big of an issue water access is for children. One student even said to me, "I took some of this water home, and my mom made tea with it—it tasted better." That's when I realized again that clean water isn't just a need—it's about quality of life.

We also saw a noticeable reduction in plastic waste. Students stopped buying bottled water every day. It made water more accessible and helped protect the environment.

And the best part? Everyone embraced the project—students, families, teachers... They all started saying, "We want this in our school too." That gave us even more motivation.

4. Do you think this project can reduce plastic use?

Evrim Rızvanoğlu:
Absolutely! There are about 19 million students in Turkey. If each one consumes just two plastic bottles of water a day, that means 38 million plastic bottles per day—or 13.87 billion per year. That's a huge burden on both the environment and family budgets.

By installing free drinking fountains in schools, we ensure students have access to clean and safe water. This reduces the need for bottled water and helps tackle plastic waste. Through this project, we protect nature and guarantee students free access to healthy water.

5. What is the importance of the project in terms of children's health and educational equality?

Evrim Rızvanoğlu:
Clean drinking water is essential for children's healthy development and academic success. Dehydration can lead to lack of focus, memory problems, and difficulty solving problems. If a child doesn't drink enough water during the day, it directly affects their learning ability and academic performance.

In addition, dehydration can cause headaches, fatigue, and weakness—and in the long term, it can lead to serious health issues like obesity and diabetes. When children can't easily access water, they often turn to sugary or carbonated drinks.

With this project, we support both children's health and educational equality by installing free drinking water fountains in schools. No child should ever be unable to focus or risk their health because they don't have access to water. Water is a basic need, and it should be a standard—not a privilege—in all schools!

6. Have you received any support from the government?

Evrim Rızvanoğlu:
Unfortunately, not yet. But this should be above politics. Access to clean water for our children is not a gift—it's a fundamental right.

We've brought this issue to Parliament multiple times. We've submitted parliamentary questions, made press statements, and worked to raise awareness. Still, there's been no action from the government.

So we said, "If they won't do it, we will." We built the first fountain, demonstrated the model, and proved its benefits. Now we're working to expand it.

7. How did municipalities get involved?

Evrim Rızvanoğlu:
After seeing how effective the project was, some municipalities began installing water fountains in schools within their districts. That has been one of my greatest joys—because the point isn't "who did it?" What matters is that children can access clean water.

As an MP, I brought this issue to light. But if local governments, civil society organizations, and concerned citizens all join in, this project can expand across Türkiye—and even the world.

8. What can people do to support this project?

Evrim Rızvanoğlu:
The most important thing is to create public demand. By urging both central and local governments to implement this project, we can build momentum.

Individuals and institutions who want to support the initiative can also donate to schools and help spread the installation of water fountains. Let's not forget—access to clean water is not a privilege; it's a right! The more voices we raise, the faster this project will spread. I invite everyone to support this cause however they can.