When you recognize something that is potentially harmful, that is avoidable, it’s hard to ignore it! As a young engineer, I would view building codes as “gospel” (as most of us do). But I’ve later realized, codes can and should be continuously improved. We owe it to the end user of the buildings we design, and we owe it to our physical environment.

The main objective of this petition is to change national plumbing codes to NOT require “heated” water (approximately 70 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer) for hand washing in healthcare facilities and allow healthcare organizations to make their own, informed decisions. We’d like everyone (at least in the industry) to understand: hot water is not necessary for sufficient hand washing, nor is extra infrastructure required to provide it.

WHY NOW: Generally speaking, increased implementation of water conservation measures results in lower flow rates in pipes. Lower flow rates reduce water’s scouring action in the pipes, creating stagnant conditions and tepid water temperatures. These conditions can promote growth of waterborne pathogens.

More information here: https://www.mazzetti.com/no-hot-water-required/

Thank you in advance for rallying around this cause!