To discourage the use of disposable plastic bottles, Missouri State University is installing hydration stations so students can fill their reusable water bottles instead of purchasing bottled drinks.

"This is the right thing to do," said Gary Stewart, director of residence life and services. "We are doing our part to help protect the environment."

A hydration station is different from a traditional drinking fountain in that the station -- much like a water cooler -- dispenses water from a spigot to fill up a water bottle. But unlike a water cooler, a hydration station has no water tank but is hooked to tap water with a filtration system.