The West Bend Current

By Khyana Jimmerson, Current Staff

When she went to wash her hands, Lillian Tyvela was surprised when she no longer needed to touch the faucet.

Students have begun to notice that sinks in the restrooms at the West Bend High Schools are gradually being given new and improved faucets that are motion-activated.

Tim Harder, the district’s director of facilities and technology, says that this change was prompted because of broken and leaky faucets. The new automatic faucets are more eco-friendly and cost-effective. This is due to the faucets automatically shutting off, which prevents water waste. Finding new parts for the old sinks, which were installed decades ago, would have cost more than just upgrading them. Therefore, according to Harder, it is the best option in the long run.

Many students prefer the automatic sinks because they are more sanitary, but some say the sensors aren’t sensitive enough.

“Touching the handle on the older sink transfers bacteria, which is gross,” Tyvela, a West sophomore, said. “I think there needs to be an easier way to activate the (new ones).”

Starting more than five years ago, the WBHS bathrooms have slowly been remodeled, including the ones by the auditorium. During these renovations they added the automatic faucets. Future plans for the other bathrooms are to be determined, but as they slowly start to wear down, the new motion-activated faucets will continue to grow in number.