EVANSVILLE, IND. (10/09/2023) Jack Deig’s journey began with a simple realization: that access to clean water is a pervasive global issue that needs immediate attention. He created “Hydration Station” as a way to address that issue by providing water dispensing stations that would empower and educate young people to initiate green projects within their communities.
Deig submitted the concept into the 2022 High School Changemaker Challenge, sponsored by Toyota, a pitch competition that earned him a scholarship to attend the University of Evansville. Now a UE sophomore majoring in marketing with a minor in psychology, Deig’s community-transforming idea is taking shape.
During a dedication ceremony on October 9, the first outdoor Hydration Station was revealed on the University of Evansville campus. Hydration Stations are innovative, no-contact public water refilling stations, offering free access to filtered water for all members of the community.
Originally a solo endeavor, Deig tirelessly sought funding and sponsors to bring his vision to life while working on the project in UE’s ChangeLab program. ChangeLab allows UE students to pursue passion projects while earning academic credit. “Hydration Station” has grown into a formidable team of five individuals, with their inaugural indoor station now operational at Patchwork Central. An additional station is in the works along the downtown Evansville riverfront in partnership with the EWSU.
These stations are equipped to provide unlimited refills to anyone with a reusable bottle, aligning with Deig’s philosophy that “you can’t abuse a Hydration Station.” This project is a nonprofit led by Deig and is undoubtedly a labor of love, reflecting his deep-rooted connection to the Evansville community where he grew up.
Since launching “Hydration Station” in 2022, the project has made significant strides. Deig envisions expansion throughout the city and potentially even across the nation in the coming years. He is inviting individuals to join him on this transformative mission and explore the message and impact of “Hydration Station.” This station was made possible through generous donations from Greg and Candice Hofmann, the UE Board of Visitors, and many other supporters of UE. It was installed through partnerships with EWSU, Alstadt Plumbing, Culligan Water, Alva Electric, and the UE facilities team led by Mike Averett.
For more information about “Hydration Station” and how you can get involved, please visit https://www.hydration-station.
