In reaction to the multitude of global issues related to bottled water, members of the Hackley community created the Take Back the Tap initiative. Its ultimate goal is the total elimination of disposable water bottles from the hilltop.

Hackley’s 2012-2013 Water Works sustainability class conceived Take Back the Tap in response to various concerns relating to bottled water, including the high price of bottled water in comparison to tap water, pollution, water shortages, legal battles over water rights, lack of bottled water safety regulations, and lack of attention to tap water safety due to the prevalence of bottled water.

Leaders of Take Back the Tap, Spanish teacher Anne Gatschet, senior Rachel Livermore and sophomore Karina Franke, HEAL, and the Food and Water Sustainability course are coordinating with the HPA, Flik, Athletics director Jason Edwards, Buildings and Grounds, and Hackley divisional leaders to reduce bottled water usage. The HPA is considering selling reusable bottles in the Tuck instead of disposable ones and will disperse tap water in pitchers at HPA meetings. Faculty meetings will follow suit. In addition, Marco Morales of Flik is prepared to eliminate bottled water from Flik’s foodservice. Also, Mr. Edwards has is helping to provide water coolers instead of water bottles at athletic events. Additionally, Hackley has replaced two water fountains with water bottle refilling stations and is considering additional replacements.

Through the continuing efforts of Take Back the Tap and cooperation of Hackley’s community, Hackley can do its part to alleviate global issues related to bottled water, while also saving money, and, according to Ms. Gatschet, “between now and the end of this school year, [Hackley] will make a full commitment across all of the parts of our community to stopping the purchase of single use [disposable] water bottles for Hackley events.”