Section 250.1930  Water Supply

The Rules, of "Sanitary Practice for Drinking Water, Sewage Disposal and Rest Room Facilities" (77 Ill. Adm. Code 895) shall apply, except where those regulations and these requirements differ.  For differences and installation requirements, see Subpart T and Subpart U.

a)         Water supplies of medical facilities shall be operated in conformance with the following requirements:

1)         All water used in operation shall be provided from a public water supply or from an alternate source.  The source of water supply shall be approved by the department.

2)         The construction, maintenance, and operation of any treatment process which might change the physical, chemical, or bacterial characteristics of the water shall be approved by the Department.

3)         Hot water shall be available at sinks and lavatories at all times.  Water shall be adequate in volume and pressure for all medical purposes.

4)         The water system shall be operated with a hot water system adequate for all medical purposes.

5)         The hot water supply shall be regulated by thermostatic or other control devices which shall be either locked or located in places not accessible to patients or the general public so that the hot water used by patients and by the public is maintained at an even temperature which cannot cause personal injury.

6)         For installation requirements, see Subpart T and Subpart U of these requirements.

b)         As part of the disaster and mass casualty program, a plan for the emergency supply of water must be available.  This plan shall be approved by the Department, and shall include at least written contracts with any outside firms, a listing of procedures to be followed, the amounts of water needed by different departments, the means of dispensing water within the facility, and procedures for sanitizing in the case of contamination.  Plans utilizing existing piping are recommended.