Spotlight Topic: Water Management in Infection Prevention
- Missy Travis MSN RN CIC FAPIC
- Aug 26
- 2 min read
Water is essential in healthcare—but if not properly managed, it can become a source of infection. This month, we’ve been focusing on environmental hygiene risks from water and simple steps you can take to strengthen your program.
🚰 Part 1: Water as a Reservoir
Similar to air, water plays a critical role in our lives and care delivery. But contaminated water can contribute to infections in ways we sometimes overlook.
Key Risks to Monitor:
Medical Equipment – Dialysis machines, humidifiers, respiratory devices (follow IFUs for water type and handling)
Plumbing Fixtures – Sinks, faucets, and shower heads (maintenance and cleaning)
Cooling Towers & HVAC Systems – Routine maintenance prevents system-wide spread
Ice Machines – Cleaning + hand hygiene reduce contamination risks (who is responsible for maintenance?)
Hydrotherapy Pools & Spas – Proper treatment and monitoring are important
Takeaway: You don’t have to do this alone—work with facilities and plant operations staff to monitor and manage risks.
💦 Part 2: Preventing Splash Contamination
Even clean water can contaminate supplies if splashes aren’t controlled.
8 Ways to Reduce Splash Risks:
Install splash guards
Adjust faucet pressure
Use deeper sinks
Add hands-free faucets
Use splash mats & drain covers
Maintain faucets regularly
Educate staff with signage
Monitor use and gather feedback
Avoid storing clean, unprotected items on open bottom shelves or under the sink
Takeaway: Everyone can help prevent contamination so make sure they are aware of the risks.
📚 Part 3: Resources from CDC
The CDC offers excellent frontline-friendly tools to support your program.
Water Management Plan Toolkit for Legionella
Water Management Plan Worksheet
Project Firstline Lockscreen
Project Firstline Video
Project Firstline Training Materials: Healthcare Environment Reservoirs
Reminder: As the IP, you’re partially responsible for ensuring a water management plan exists and is followed—but facilities staff are your partners in implementation.
🎓 Course Spotlight
EOC Rounding Essentials for Infection Preventionists
This self-paced course is designed to give you practical skills to lead more effective environmental rounds, spot potential risks, and implement corrective actions.
✔️ Real-world scenarios ✔️ Practical checklists ✔️ Designed for busy IPs
📽️ Watch the Videos
This month’s short videos cover:
Water as an Environmental Risk – Where pathogens hide and how to address them
Splash Contamination – 8 practical strategies to protect clean items
Using CDC Resources – Free tools to save time and strengthen your water management plan
Bottom Shelf and Under Sink Storage – Practices to avoid when storing clean items
Follow me on LinkedIn for weekly infection prevention updates and resources.
💼 Consulting Corner
Need interim or virtual Infection Prevention support?
I provide virtual mentoring, program development, and one-on-one support for onsite IPs. If your facility is looking for interim or ongoing help, let’s connect—I’d love to explore how I can support your team. Set up a free strategy call with me.
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About IP&C Consulting At IP&C Consulting, I help healthcare organizations and infection preventionists strengthen their programs through consulting, education, and coaching. Learn more about my services here.
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