Water samples from 16 stationary eye wash stations in diagnostic laboratories were evaluated for bacterial counts and the presence of selected bacteria. While 93% of the samples from the first flush did not present drinking water quality (parameter: total bacterial count and/or the number of legionella per 100 ml sample fluid), one minute flushing lowered that number to 9.3% of the samples. At no time were the water samples abnormal in appearance or smell, nor did they contain Pseudomonas aeruginosa, enterobacteria or enterococci. Regular weekly flushing of 4 eye wash stations for 3 minutes on each occasion did not significantly lower bacterial or legionella counts in the first flush samples. Because of potential infections resulting from contaminated water, alternatives such as portable eye wash stations for biology, biochemistry, and gene technology laboratories or the incorporation of filters close to the outlet of the stationary eye wash station are discussed.
