Violation

California Code § 87303(e)(2)Hot Water Temperature

How CCLD inspectors cite this regulation, what providers do to stay clear of it, and where it appears in the public record.

Type A, seriousAffects rcfe1079 facilities cited in the last 90 days

ℹ️ Educational reference based on public CCLD inspection records. Not legal or compliance advice. Verify requirements with official sources. Full disclaimer →

Regulation text

What California Code § 87303(e)(2) actually says

California Code § 87303(e)(2)

Faucets used by residents for personal care such as shaving and grooming shall deliver hot water. Hot water temperature controls shall be maintained to automatically regulate the temperature of hot water used by residents to attain a temperature of not less than 105 degree F (41 degree C) and not more than 120 degree F (49 degree C).

From the field

What providers tell us about this citation

Based on community experience, not official guidance.

Test the actual resident bathroom faucet, not the heater tank, with a real thermometer and keep a dated weekly log. LPAs check water temperature within the first walk-through, and a reading over 120°F triggers a Type A citation and a return visit.

By the numbers

1079^*CCLD: facilities cited in the last 90 days
33^*CCLD: counties where this citation appeared
--^*CCLD: rank among most-common citations
Trajectory: Steady

1079 facilities were cited for this in the last 90 days. See if yours is one of them.

Check a facility

What other providers do

Common practices to stay clear of Hot Water Temperature

Common practices shared by providers. Confirm requirements with your licensing analyst.

Common practices

Resident-use faucets deliver hot water between 105°F and 120°F
Automatic temperature controls maintain that range
Applies to faucets used for personal care such as shaving and grooming

What to avoid

Water heater set too high, pushing faucet temperature above 120°F
Mixing valves drift out of range after a repair and go unchecked
Staff measure temperature at the tank instead of the resident faucet

Regional record

Where this citation appeared in the past 90 days

Citation counts and rates by California county, drawn from CCLD inspection records.

Regional citations for Hot Water Temperature, last 90 days
County	Citations	Facilities	Citation rate
Los Angeles	259	--	--
Orange	125	--	--
Contra Costa	72	--	--
Ventura	57	--	--
Sacramento	50	--	--
Alameda	44	--	--
San Mateo	34	--	--
Santa Clara	27	--	--
San Diego	26	--	--
Riverside	22	--	--

SOURCE

*CCLD: California Community Care Licensing Divisionviolation_citations2026-05-30Updated weekly

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Answers based on public CCLD data and regulation text. May not reflect recent changes.

What is the hot water requirement in Section 87303(e)(2)?

Section 87303(e)(2) requires that faucets your residents use for personal care, such as shaving and grooming, deliver hot water held between 105°F and 120°F. The lower limit keeps water warm enough for hygiene; the upper limit prevents scalding burns. Because older residents have thinner skin and slower reactions, water above 120°F can cause serious injury in seconds, which is why this is a Type A deficiency.

How common is this hot water violation in California assisted living?

It is one of the more frequently cited physical-plant problems in the state. California CCLD records show 918 California RCFEs have been cited under Section 87303(e)(2), roughly 6.95% of licensed facilities, across 34 counties. Most are Type A citations because incorrect water temperature poses a direct, immediate risk to residents. Los Angeles County leads with 286 citations, followed by Orange County with 126.

What happens if an RCFE is cited for a hot water violation?

An LPA documents the deficiency, sets a correction date, and schedules a follow-up visit to confirm the fix. As a Type A citation, a hot water violation is treated more seriously than a Type B and carries higher civil penalties, since it reflects an immediate safety risk. Repeat or uncorrected findings can escalate your compliance history and draw closer scrutiny at the next inspection.

How do I fix or prevent a hot water citation?

Set your water heater mixing valves so resident-accessible faucets stay between 105°F and 120°F, then verify with a calibrated thermometer at the faucet, not the tank. Check temperatures weekly and log the readings with date and location. Train maintenance staff to retest after any heater repair or seasonal change. A simple posted temperature log near the heater gives your LPA fast proof of ongoing compliance.

Does a hot water citation affect my RCFE license?

A single corrected hot water citation will not by itself end your license, but it becomes part of your facility's public CCLD compliance record. California Community Care Licensing reviews that history at renewal and during complaint investigations. A pattern of Type A deficiencies, or failure to correct by the deadline, can lead to escalated enforcement. Keeping water temperature in range protects both residents and your standing with CCLD.

Related violations

Other citations in this regulation family

This information is educational and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed residential care compliance consultant for guidance specific to your facility. Citation data is sourced from California Community Care Licensing Division public records and is refreshed regularly.

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