Potable Water (General Use)
Healthcare facilities use potable water from treated municipal water supplies. To minimize the growth and persistence of waterborne bacteria (e.g., thermophilic non-tuberculous mycobacteria and Legionella spp.), cold water in healthcare facilities should be stored and distributed at temperatures below 68°F (20°C); hot water should be stored above 140°F (60°C) and circulated with a minimum return temperature of 124°F (51°C), or the highest temperature specified in state regulations and building codes. For nursing care facilities hot water should be circulated with a return temperature of 95°F-110°F (35°C-43.3°C).
