As far as workplace safety goes, having access to clean water is a fundamental necessity. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets clear guidelines to ensure that employees have access to safe drinking water while they’re at work. These OSHA drinking water requirements are designed to guarantee that all workers—whether in construction, agriculture, or general industry—have clean, potable water readily available at no cost.

What exactly are these OSHA water requirements? Here are some key points both employers and employees should know.

If you’re curious about other OSHA requirements specific to the construction industry, check out some of these other ZTERS posts:

• OSHA Rules for Construction Portable Toilets
• OSHA Regulations for Construction Fencing
• OSHA Barricade Requirements
• OSHA PPE Standards

What Are OSHA Drinking Water Requirements?

OSHA’s drinking water standards fall under the General Industry Standard 29 CFR 1910.141, which requires employers to provide “potable” water that meets the U.S. Public Health Service Drinking Water Standards.

This means:

• Drinking water must be safe, clean, and free from contaminants.
• Employers must ensure the water source is accessible and convenient for all workers.
• Non-potable sources must be clearly marked as unsafe for drinking or personal use.

These rules form the foundation of OSHA’s requirements for water, which helps to ensure safe hydration for workers across all job types.

Does OSHA Require Employers to Provide Water?

OSHA requires employers to provide access to potable (safe to drink) water for their employees. This requirement is outlined in the OSHA General Industry standards. Here’s an excerpt:

Potable water shall be provided in all places of employment, for drinking, washing of the person, cooking, washing of foods, washing of cooking or eating utensils, washing of food preparation or processing premises, and personal service rooms.

This standard also covers the proper design and use of drinking water dispensers, and the clear separation/marking of non-potable water sources. 

OSHA’s water regulations don’t just apply to the construction industry — they also extend to agriculture, maritime, and others. Each industry contains specific requirements tailored to the conditions of these fields.

Do Employers Have to Provide Drinking Water?

According to OSHA, employers must provide water that meets the U.S. Public Health Service Drinking Water Standards. This means that the water provided must be safe to drink and must be “readily accessible” to all employees.

If the tap water at your workplace meets the required standards, employers are not obligated to provide bottled water. Additionally, OSHA water requirements prohibit employers from making employees pay for drinking water.

Are Water Breaks Mandatory?

While OSHA does not specifically require water breaks, the guidelines require employers to provide “reasonable opportunities” for employees to hydrate. This standard emphasizes the importance of frequent hydration, particularly on hot days. Read our tips for construction summer safety for more guidance on staying safe in the heat.

How Much Water is Required Per Person?

OSHA doesn’t specify exact water quantities per person, which makes sense considering that hydration needs can vary widely based on the type of work being performed, environmental conditions, and other factors. In industries like agriculture and maritime however, there are more specific guidelines that require employers to provide water in “sufficient amounts” to meet the needs of all employees.

Final Thoughts: OSHA Water Requirements

OSHA guidelines are in place for a reason. Not only should employers be intrinsically motivated to provide a safe work environment for their employees, but there are also serious penalties if they fail to comply. 

OSHA water requirements are just one of many areas where employers must pay close attention to their workers’ well-being. It’s important to stay informed about relevant guidelines to ensure you’re creating a safe, healthy work environment for everyone. Happy workers are productive workers!

Check out other construction related blog posts from ZTERS here.