Water is fundamental to life which makes the increasingly loud warnings about water scarcity and an impending global water crisis so concerning for world leaders. If current patterns of consumption continue, two-thirds of the world’s population will be facing water shortages as a daily reality by 2025 and global policy makers are scrambling to avoid catastrophe.

A British high school has banned kids from drinking water in class — claiming it distracts them from learning.

Teachers at Garstang Community Academy in Lancashire, northwest England complained pupils were wasting time “messing about” with water bottles.

But children have protested by daubing the word “water” on an outside wall and “water is bad” on a nearby pedestrian crossing.

One student at the school — which has more than 700 pupils aged between 11 and 16 — said, “Research shows that regular consumption of water improves focus and aids studying. “Surely this would be seen as beneficial in a place of education?”

Another said the rule attacks a “basic human right” to consume water.

“The head teacher stated the ban is due to ‘unnecessary distractions’,” they added.

“It has caused much more of a distraction with students and teachers discussing their views on the subject rather than teaching and learning.”

But principal Alasdair Ashcroft stood by his decision.

“During last year’s very hot spell our students were allowed to have their bottles of water out in lessons to ensure they were cool and hydrated,” he said.

“This practice continued after the hot weather.

“Unfortunately the presence of drinks on tables is compromising their learning in lessons.

“As a result, students have been asked to keep their water bottles in their bags and to take opportunities between lessons to rehydrate if they need to.”

This article originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced with permission