Medical Water
Uses in Medical and Healthcare Settings
Water plays an important role in the health care field. From washing surgical tools and equipment to creating a soothing environment for patients to have hydrotherapy, water is essential to the effectiveness of the health industry. However, moist environments and liquid solutions can create a favorable setting for the growth of many bacterial and some protozoal microbes. Waterborne diseases can be spread through:
- Direct contact (e.g., hydrotherapy)
- Ingestion of water (e.g., drinking water)
- Indirect-contact (e.g., medical/dental tool or equipment)
- Inhalation of aerosols from water sources*
- Aspiration of water*
- Blood contact (e.g., hemodialysis)
Due to weakened immune systems of many patients, it is vital that water used in health care settings is not contaminated.
For more information on Infection Control in Healthcare Facilities, visit CDC’s Infection Control in Healthcare Settings page.
For specific information on Infection Control Guidelines for healthcare professionals, visit CDC’s Infection Control Guidelines page.
For information on other resources, visit Healthy Water’s Medical Water Resources.
This icon indicates a link leading outside of this CDC Web site. While this external link provides additional information that is consistent with the intended purpose of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), not all external links will lead to federal websites. CDC cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal site, and linking to a non-federal site does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the site. You will be subject to the destination site’s privacy policy when you follow any link so indicated.
Please note: Some of these publications are available for download only as *.pdf files. These files require Adobe Acrobat Reader in order to be viewed. Please review the information on downloading and using Acrobat Reader software.
- Page last reviewed: December 19, 2008
- Page last updated: December 19, 2008
- Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Contact Us:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1600 Clifton Rd
Atlanta, GA 30333 - 800-CDC-INFO
(800-232-4636)
TTY: (888) 232-6348
24 Hours/Every Day - healthywater@cdc.gov