Junior health minister Paul Blokhuis has set aside €2m to fund around 1,000 new drinking water fountains in school playgrounds.

The commitment is part of the agreement on preventing obesity and poor health signed by the minister, companies and other organisations last year.

‘Having a fountain means it is easier for children to drink water and carry on playing football than to go and buy a can of something at the supermarket,’ Blokhuis said.

Schools can register for the subsidy, which will cover 75% of the cost. The rest has to be paid by the school itself or by other organisations such as the local council.

Amsterdam city council is currently doubling the number of water fountains in parks and public places to 500 as part of the city’s campaign to combat obesity.