California Code of Regulations
Title 22 - Social Security
Division 5 - Licensing and Certification of Health Facilities, Home Health Agencies, Clinics, and Referral Agencies
Chapter 1 - General Acute Care Hospitals
Article 8 - Physical Plant
Section 70863 - Water Supply and Plumbing

(a) Water for human consumption from an independent source shall be subjected to bacteriological analysis by the local health department, State Department of Health or a licensed commercial laboratory at least every three (3) months. A copy of the most recent laboratory report shall be available for inspection.

(b) Plumbing and drainage facilities shall be maintained in compliance with Part 5, Title 24, California Administrative Code, Basic Plumbing Requirements. Drinking water supplies shall comply with Group 4, Subchapter 1, Chapter 5, Division T17, Part 6, of Title 24, California Administrative Code.

(c) Backflow preventers (vacuum breakers) shall be maintained in operating condition where required by Section T17-210(c), Division T17, Part 6, Title 24, California Administrative Code.

(d) For hot water used by patients, there shall be temperature controls to automatically regulate the temperature between 40.5°C (105°F) and 48.9°C (120°F).

(e) Hot water at a minimum temperature of 82.2°C (180°F) shall be maintained at the final rinse section of dishwashing facilities unless alternate methods are approved by the Department.

(f) Taps delivering water at 51.6°C (125°F) or higher shall be identified prominently by warning signs with letters 5 cm (2 inches) high.

(g) Grab bars shall be maintained for each toilet, bathtub and shower used by patients, where required in Section T17-212(b), Division T17, Part 6, of Title 24, California Administrative Code.

(h) As a minimum, toilet, handwashing and bathing facilities shall be maintained in operating condition in the number and types specified in construction requirements in effect at the time the building or unit was constructed.