Failure to Provide Adequate Running and Hot Water
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide adequate running water and hot water to its residents, affecting at least four individuals and potentially impacting all 181 residents. Multiple residents reported ongoing issues with low water pressure, lack of hot water, and non-functioning toilets, particularly on the upper floors. Observations by surveyors confirmed that water from faucets and showers was consistently cold, with measured temperatures ranging from 58 to 62 degrees Fahrenheit, and that toilets often would not flush due to insufficient water pressure. Residents described significant disruptions to their daily hygiene routines, with some unable to shower for extended periods and resorting to sponge baths or storing water in containers for basic washing. Staff interviews corroborated these accounts, noting that they were unable to provide proper showers and had to inform residents about the cold water, sometimes encouraging them to wash at the sink instead. Maintenance logs documented repeated complaints about cold water, low pressure, and non-flushing toilets over several weeks, with issues persisting across multiple floors. Facility leadership and maintenance staff acknowledged the ongoing plumbing problems, attributing them to issues with water valves and city water supply access. Despite awareness of the problem and communication with external plumbers and city officials, the facility continued to experience inadequate water service, as evidenced by maintenance records and direct observations by surveyors. The deficiency resulted in residents being unable to maintain personal hygiene and staff being unable to perform essential care tasks as expected.