by Water Saver Solutions | Nov 4, 2025
Watch the short video to see why an often-overlooked faucet design can create serious challenges for healthcare water safety. The demonstration shows how threadless spouts prevent the use of essential point-of-use filters, leaving hospitals vulnerable when rapid infection control measures are needed.
In hospitals and healthcare environments, maintaining water safety is essential to protecting patients and staff. While many facilities focus on disinfection, water testing, and fixture maintenance, one seemingly small design detail can pose a major risk: faucets with threadless spouts.
Why Threadless Spouts Are a Hidden Hazard
Threadless spouts are common in many healthcare facilities due to their sleek appearance and ease of cleaning. However, they present a significant limitation: they can’t accommodate point-of-use (POU) filters, which are the first line of defense when bacterial contamination is detected.
When an outbreak occurs or colony-forming unit (CFU) counts begin to rise, facility managers typically respond by installing POU filters on faucets and showers. These filters provide immediate protection by removing harmful microorganisms from the water stream. But without threads, the filters simply can’t be attached, delaying a critical response during a time when every minute counts.
In high-risk departments such as:
…the inability to install a POU filter quickly can increase exposure risk and jeopardize infection control efforts.
If a facility relies on threadless spouts, staff must first order new threaded spouts or replace entire faucets before filters can be installed. This creates unnecessary downtime and potentially extends exposure to pathogens like Legionella. The result is a reactive approach rather than a proactive one, exactly what healthcare water management programs aim to avoid.
The Advantages of Protected, Threaded Spouts
Faucets equipped with protected threaded spouts provide both safety and flexibility. They allow for the easy addition of either a laminar flow device or a point-of-use filter whenever water quality concerns arise.
Key benefits include:
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Immediate compatibility with POU filters in the event of a bacterial spike
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Laminar flow protection, which maintains a smooth, non-aerosolizing water stream, reducing splash and contamination risk
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Continuous wet-wall protection, ensuring disinfectants remain in contact with all internal surfaces when water is off
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Reduced calcification, since the spout doesn’t trap air and water residues that can foster bacterial growth
Understanding the Internal Risks
Cutaway comparisons of unprotected spouts reveal what can’t be seen from the outside:
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Air exposure dries and calcifies the tube, creating an environment where bacteria can thrive
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Splash-back contamination from the drain can reintroduce microbes into the spout
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Even small issues, such as drain flies or pooling water, can worsen the contamination risk
Each of these factors compounds over time, especially in high-use hospital settings where waterborne pathogens can quickly spread through a plumbing system.
A Smarter Approach to Water Safety
Protected, threaded spouts are not just a convenience; they are a crucial safeguard that enables healthcare facilities. Combined with a proactive maintenance strategy, they help prevent the conditions that allow bacteria to colonize and spread.
Water Saver Solutions, known as The H₂ROI People, helps healthcare organizations implement these best practices through its FixtureCare® program, designed to:
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Reduce Legionella and other waterborne risks
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Protect patients and staff
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Ensure ASHRAE 188 compliance through proactive, app-driven maintenance
By addressing overlooked details such as faucet design, hospitals can strengthen their overall water management programs and create safer, healthier environments for everyone.
by Water Saver Solutions | Oct 14, 2025
Understanding the crucial role of laminar flow devices in water safety and infection prevention.
Why Aerators Are Dangerous
In health care settings, water safety is critical and the risk of waterborne contamination is something we can’t overlook. Aerators mix air and water that create fine mist droplets. These create a vehicle for dangerous bacteria, including Legionella. These droplets can easily be inhaled, putting patients and staff at risk for respiratory infections.
As we demonstrate in our video, an aerator has slots, and this is what allows the air to be pulled into the water stream and aerosolized.
The Safer Alternative: Laminar Flow Devices
Laminar flow devices look very similar to aerators, but they operate differently. Instead of mixing air and water, they deliver a smooth, solid stream of water, completely eliminating the aerosol effect. By preventing the formation of mist and splashing, laminar flow devices drastically reduce the risk of airborne contamination.
In addition to infection control, they help maintain controlled water flow and minimize splashback that could cause slip hazards or water pooling in sink basins—both of which can harbor additional bacteria.
Design and Maintenance Considerations
Hospitals typically use two types of faucet spouts:
- Threaded spouts that allow for the easy installation and maintenance of laminar flow devices at the tip of the faucet.
- Non-threaded spouts, where the flow control occurs internally at the base.
Over time, sediment and debris from plumbing systems can accumulate in these components; especially after water system disruptions such as maintenance or plant shutdowns. When the flow control is built into the base, it’s much harder to clean. However, with end-point laminar devices, any sediment buildup can be easily removed to maintain proper flow and hygiene.
A Smarter Approach to Water Safety
Using non-aerating laminar flow devices provides a safer, more efficient water solution that protects both patients and healthcare workers. When combined with routine fixture maintenance and water management practices, hospitals can greatly reduce the risk of Legionella growth and other waterborne pathogens.
At Water Saver Solutions, known as The H₂ROI People, our FixtureCare Program helps healthcare organizations:
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Reduce Legionella and bacterial risk
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Protect patients and staff
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Maintain ASHRAE 188 and 514 compliance
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Simplify maintenance with our app-driven, proactive service model
Through safer fixture design and regular maintenance, facilities can take a proactive stance on water safety, improving both compliance and patient outcomes.
by Water Saver Solutions | Sep 6, 2025
Regular faucet flushing is critical for maintaining water safety. Without it, stagnant water, biofilm, and debris can accumulate inside pipes, increasing the risk of waterborne contamination and potentially exposing patients and staff to harmful bacteria such as Legionella.
Step 1: Remove Flow Regulators
Many faucets contain flow regulators at the base of the spout. While these devices reduce water usage, they can also trap debris that impacts water quality.
Before flushing, carefully remove any flow regulators located at the base of the spout, or laminar flow devices installed at the spout end, and set it aside. This ensures that water can flow freely and flush the system effectively.
Step 2: Cycle the Angle Stops
Next, cycle the angle stops that aren’t frozen to exercise the seats and remove calcium deposits. This step helps confirm the valves are functional and can be shut off when needed. Make sure they’re fully open before conducting the “super flush.”
Run water through both the hot and cold lines. This helps flush out any sediment, biofilm, or stagnant water that may have built up in the system. Skipping this step could result in insufficient water flow and unsafe conditions.
Step 3: Flush Until the Water Runs Clear
Allow water to run until it flows clear. Clear water indicates that debris and contaminants have been removed from the line. This is an essential part of faucet flushing in healthcare facilities, helping to ensure clean and safe water for use in patient care areas.
Step 4: Reattach the Laminar Flow Device
After flushing, it’s important to replace or install a laminar flow device at the end of the faucet spout. Skipping this step can lead to splashing and improper water flow.
A non-aerating laminar flow device helps:
- Maintain efficient water flow
- Reduce splashing
- Discourage calcium buildup
- Limit exposure to airborne contaminants
Routine Flushing Protects Water Quality
Regular faucet flushing and component maintenance are crucial for healthcare water management. By making this a routine practice, hospitals can:
- Maintain high water quality
- Prevent the growth of bacteria, including Legionella
- Promote a safer environment for patients, staff, and visitors
The Right Fixture Makes All The Difference
Water Saver Solutions and FixtureCare offer a comprehensive suite of services tailored to the unique needs of hospitals. Our approach integrates water efficiency, healthcare compliance, and patient safety to deliver measurable improvements across your facility. From reducing waterborne risks to optimizing system performance, we help healthcare teams achieve operational excellence with confidence.
by Water Saver Solutions | Jul 3, 2025
In today’s healthcare environment, infection prevention is more critical than ever—especially when it comes to waterborne pathogens like Legionella. The ASHRAE 188 standard outlines key practices for controlling Legionella risk in building water systems, but many facilities struggle with how to apply those standards to their fixtures. That’s where FixtureCare comes in.
The FixtureCare preventive maintenance program is designed specifically for healthcare settings, providing a streamlined way to track, manage, and document the servicing of faucets, shower heads, and point-of-use filters. It’s not just about maintenance—it’s about ensuring compliance, improving transparency, and dramatically reducing the workload for facility managers.
Real-Time Tracking and Reporting
With FixtureCare, you can virtually “enter” any room in your facility to view before-and-after photos of serviced fixtures, complete with service timestamps. You’ll gain access to intuitive reports that make inspections easier and more efficient. Real-time project updates, alerts for non-compliant fixtures, and documented service histories are all part of the package—giving managers peace of mind and inspectors exactly what they need.
Why Fixture Hygiene Matters
One often-overlooked risk factor in healthcare settings is calcium buildup on fixtures, which can harbor biofilm and bacteria. Left unchecked, these deposits contribute to the nearly 100,000 healthcare-acquired infection-related deaths reported annually in the U.S. FixtureCare addresses this risk head-on by ensuring regular, thorough cleaning and filter replacements.
The Right Fixture Makes All The Difference
Water Saver Solutions offers a comprehensive suite of services tailored to the unique needs of hospitals. Our approach integrates water efficiency, healthcare compliance, and patient safety to deliver measurable improvements across your facility. From reducing waterborne risks to optimizing system performance, we help healthcare teams achieve operational excellence with confidence.
by Water Saver Solutions | Jun 16, 2025
In healthcare settings, maintaining top-tier hygiene is non-negotiable. While most efforts focus on cleaning protocols and surface disinfection, one often-overlooked component can make a big impact: the faucet. Specifically, what’s on the end of it.
A Simple Upgrade with Big Benefits
Non-aerating laminar flow devices are a small but powerful upgrade for hospital faucets. Unlike standard open spouts, these devices act as a protective barrier—blocking contaminants like airborne pathogens or even insects from entering the spout and compromising water quality.
Cutting Down on Contamination at the Sink
Splashing at sinks is more than a nuisance—it’s a potential vector for infection. Laminar flow devices create a clear, non-turbulent stream of water that minimizes splash. This helps reduce the risk of pathogen spread via droplets, which is especially critical in sensitive areas like ICUs and surgical suites.
Supports Disinfection and Prevents Buildup
These devices also enhance the effectiveness of disinfectant-treated water. As water flows through the spout, the laminar stream allows disinfectants to stay in contact with interior surfaces longer, helping reduce calcium buildup and inhibiting microbial growth.
A Practical Step Toward Better Infection Control
In addition to better hygiene and water quality, laminar flow devices offer more precise water control and promote a cleaner, safer environment for both patients and staff. For hospitals seeking simple ways to improve infection prevention, this is an easy win.
The Right Fixture Makes All The Difference
Water Saver Solutions offers a comprehensive suite of services tailored to the unique needs of hospitals. Our approach integrates water efficiency, healthcare compliance, and patient safety to deliver measurable improvements across your facility. From reducing waterborne risks to optimizing system performance, we help healthcare teams achieve operational excellence with confidence.
by WSSAdmin | Sep 8, 2019
UC Davis Health is well on the way to achieving ambitious sustainability goals while also improving its environment of care. Recent water conservation fixture retrofits by Water Saver Solutions (WSS) will save the hospital 16 million gallons of water annually, reduce sewer and energy costs, and provide antimicrobial fixture benefits. The project incorporates WSS’ Fixture Care™ program, which provides annual preventative maintenance, summary reports and documentation to support the hospital’s Legionella Water Management Plan.
Under its Sustainable Practice Policy, the University of California Office of the President (UCOP) has set a goal to reduce growth-adjusted potable water consumption on all campuses and health locations by 20% by 2020 and 36% by 2025 (compared to a three-year average baseline of fiscal years 2005-2008).
In June 2018, WSS contracted with UC Davis Health through its Energy Manager to perform a campus water audit on 39 buildings and 142 acres. Results of the audit identified projects that would potentially reduce water usage by 24% with a combined ROI of less than 3 years.
First phase projects were met with infection control concerns, but after Patient Care Services learned how WSS’ Fixture Care™ program benefited UC Irvine Health, the project received their approval and support. WSS’ Fixture Care™ program, which is unique in the healthcare industry, helps hospitals to be proactive in reducing potential fixture biofilm and provides compliance documentation that hospitals can use to meet Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Service (CMS) requirements for water management policies.
In June 2019, WSS retrofitted 1,091 toilets and 2,652 faucet and showerhead fixtures. The entire project was completed in just over three weeks.
Toilets were retrofitted with dual-flush handles that reduce water usage by 30%. Faucets were retrofitted with anti-microbial, flow-optimized faucet laminars that use silver ion polymers to help reduce biofilm. Showers were retrofitted with anti-microbial Medi-Shower™ showerheads that allow flushing and cleaning in-place to reduce biofilm; the showerheads’ Medi-Flush inserts can be replaced quickly without removing the showerhead, reducing costs.
Building on the success of the completed retrofits, UC Davis Health plans to continue with retrofitting the hospital’s sterilizers and landscape irrigation systems.
“We’re proud to be helping UC Davis Health move closer to achieving UCOP goals for water reduction,” said Charles Bragdon, President of WSS.
A nationally renowned 625-bed facility, UC Davis Health is a leading referral center for the most seriously injured or ill patients and the most medically complex cases. It is ranked one of the nation’s best hospitals and one of California’s five best hospitals by U.S. News & World Report.
by WSSAdmin | Feb 26, 2019
An innovative, antimicrobial shower head now offered by Water Saver Solutions (WSS) gives hospitals a solution for minimizing the risk of bacteria growth while improving the environment of care. The Medi-Shower™ shower head allows flushing and cleaning in-place to reduce biofilm.
“Shower head maintenance is a service that our hospital clients have requested for many years,” says Charles Bragdon, President and founder of Water Saver Solutions. The Medi-Shower™ features Medi-Flush inserts that can be replaced quickly without removing the shower head, reducing costs. Color-coding provides visual confirmation of maintenance.
Medi-Shower™ is widely used in the U.K. and introduced in the U.S. only recently by Pall Medical. WSS is partnering with Pall Medical, a global leader in filtration, separation and purification systems and the exclusive U.S. distributor of Medi-Shower™, to sell the shower heads, which it also installs and maintains. “Thanks to our relationship with Pall Medical, we are now able to provide the Medi-Shower™ as well as ongoing shower head maintenance,” says Bragdon. “We’re excited about the possibilities Medi-Shower™ offers and look forward to expanding the services we deliver to help hospitals enhance their environment of care.”
WSS clients Prime Healthcare and Citrus Valley Health Partners are excited about the new shower heads and maintenance capability, too. They are the first U.S. healthcare facilities to take advantage of the new technology and WSS’ maintenance program.
As part of its faucet and shower head maintenance program, WSS creates a summary report that can be included in a hospital’s Legionella Water Management Plan, enhancing documentation of the hospital’s compliance with ASHRAE standard 188 as required by CMS guidelines.
by WSSAdmin | Jan 21, 2019
A small investment in water conservation solutions is paying off big for Saddleback Medical Center, a 252-bed hospital in the MemorialCare Health System. Thanks to water-saving retrofits recommended and implemented by Water Saver Solutions (WSS), Saddleback Medical Center’s average monthly water costs decreased by 32.6% and average monthly water use decreased by 37.4% over a nine-month period.
The savings were verified through measurement performed by an independent third-party company, Ecom-Energy, using its EnerVisor software.
WSS found and obtained utility company rebates that reduced the hospital’s costs for the retrofits by more than 61%. As a result, the project achieved ROI in less than six months. In the first nine months after project completion, the hospital saved $26,000 in water and energy costs.
In March 2017, WSS audited water and energy use at MemorialCare’s three Southern California hospitals—Saddleback Medical Center, Orange Coast Medical Center and Long Beach Medical Center—and provided conservation recommendations. The audits of Saddleback and Orange Coast were conducted at no cost to the hospitals, thanks to a unique incentive program that WSS developed with Southern California Gas.
Saddleback Medical Center moved forward with WSS’s recommendations. Between July 2017 and December 2017, WSS installed 109 low flow shower heads and 762 faucet laminar flow control devices and retrofitted seven medical sterilizers with water-saving kits.
Saving water and gas isn’t the only benefit of WSS’s conservation efforts. WSS also helps protect hospitals’ faucet spouts and showers from bacteria growth by installing faucet laminars and shower heads that have an antimicrobial component and providing an ongoing maintenance program.
by WSSAdmin | Dec 17, 2018
Centinela Hospital Medical Center, part of Ontario, CA-based Prime Healthcare system, is enjoying rapid ROI on water conservation measures implemented by Water Saver Solutions (WSS)—and other Prime Healthcare hospitals should soon see substantial savings, too.
In April 2017, retained WSS to survey water usage at its 11 local hospitals.The surveys are part of a unique partnership between WSS and Southern California Gas. The utility contracts with WSS to audit Level 1 and Level 2 hospitals in its service area and recommend ways hospitals can reduce their use of water and natural gas. WSS provides the audits for free, then works with hospitals to find and maximize available rebates and incentives to reduce the costs of the proposed changes.
WSS’s audit estimated that Centinela Hospital Medical Center could save 7.7 million gallons of water annually by putting its recommendations into action. In September 2017, WSS retrofitted faucets at Centinela Hospital Medical Center with flow-optimizing laminars, installed anti-microbial showerheads, and retrofitted five medical sterilizers with water-saving kits.
Internal measurement verification conducted by WSS found that these changes surpassed the savings goal and cut the hospital’s water costs by an average of 39% on two of its three water meters between 2016 and 2018.
Thanks to the success of the Centinela Hospital Medical Center project, Prime Healthcare has retained WSS to carry out its water conservation recommendations at other California hospitals. WSS began work on Huntington Beach Hospital and Garden Grove Hospital in December 2018.
The partnership with Southern California Gas has been so successful that the utility recently extended WSS’s contract through December 2019.
by WSSAdmin | Aug 3, 2018
The City of Oceanside has raised its rates by 44% since 2015—but water costs at Tri-City Medical Center in Oceanside, CA, have gone down, thanks to water conservation measures by Water Saver Solutions (WSS).
Since January 2015, the hospital’s water cost per unit has soared from $8.60 to $12.14. But water-saving equipment that WSS recommended and installed has significantly reduced water usage. Best of all, ROI on the project was less than a year.
“Between 2015 and 2017, we saved 8 million gallons of water,” said Chris J. Miechowski, Director of Facilities & Construction at the full-service, 397-bed hospital. This year, the facility is on track to do even better: Miechowski estimates saving 13 million gallons in 2018.
In 2015 WSS installed low-flow showerheads, flow-optimized faucet laminars, pre-rinse sprayers and sterilizer retrofit kits at Tri-City Medical Center. WSS also negotiated incentives and rebates from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and San Diego Gas and Electric that reduced the project’s net cost to the hospital by 52%.
In 2016 WSS retrofitted the facility’s toilets and urinals with water-saving dual-flush handles; this time, utility company rebates and incentives slashed the project’s net cost by 64%.
‘[WSS] did all the work [to obtain the incentives]—I didn’t have to do anything,” said Miechowski. “They provided everything I needed to sell the proposal to the board, and since ROI was less than a year, I didn’t have to ask for any money from the board.”
WSS audits hospitals’ water and energy use and makes recommendations for conservation. The company then works with local utilities to find, negotiate and manage rebates and incentives that drastically reduce the hospitals’ cost of implementing the recommendations. In addition to saving water and gas, WSS helps protect faucet spouts and shower heads from bacteria growth by installing faucet laminars and shower heads with an antimicrobial component and providing an ongoing maintenance program.
