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HCAI proposes Part 5 plumbing changes: handwashing flow, hot-water temps and dialysis standards updated
Summary
HCAI presented proposed plumbing-code amendments including a minimum 1.0 gallon-per-minute flow for infection-control handwashing fixtures (while public restrooms remain at Title 20 0.5 gpm), a 140—F storage-water requirement to limit Legionella, and adoption of updated AAMI dialysis water standards (RD 23500 series).
During the same HCAI webinar, Larry Enright presented proposed OSHPD amendments to the 2025 California Plumbing Code (Part 5).
Enright said Part 5 includes a new OSHPD 6 banner and updates to definitions, fixtures and reference standards to coordinate with model codes and national guidance. On handwashing fixtures he described an alignment with ASHRAE 188 and Guideline 12 and said the draft language requires handwashing fixtures used for infection-control to have a flow of not less than 1.0 gallon per minute. He clarified that public restrooms remain governed by Title 20 requirements (0.5 gpm) for fixtures sold in California.
On scrub sinks and controls, Enright said activation controls should avoid hand contact (foot or electronic activation is required for scrub sinks used for surgical/compounding functions) and that single-lever wrist-blade devices are not permitted for activation though a preset temperature valve is allowed to set temperature prior to use.
Hot-water distribution and Legionella-prevention measures are another focus. Enright said storage water heaters and tanks "shall be maintained at 140" (degrees Fahrenheit) to reduce the risk of Legionella growth and that distribution systems should provide test ports and valve access for flushing, and incorporate recirculation-loop design to limit dead legs and water age. He explained that some hot-water branch piping-length limits were revised to align with national standards.
For dialysis water treatment, Enright said references to the older RD 62 have been replaced by the AAMI RD 23500 series (dash 2 and dash 3) and that recording requirements for dialysis-system performance were included.
Enright closed by noting that intervening-code-cycle clarifications (for staff-restroom ratios and other matters) are being pursued, and that the webinar slides and a written question matrix will be posted on the HCAI website for further review.
