Compliance Guides8 min readFebruary 2026

OSHA Water Requirements for Heat: How Much and How Often

The law says "suitably cool" and "accessible". Here is what that actually means on a jobsite.

The 1 Quart Rule

OSHA recommends providing at least one quart of cool water per employee per hour.

Temperature Matters

Water needs to be cool (50-60°F). Warm water does not cool the body effectively and discourages drinking.

Distance is Key

If a worker has to walk 5 minutes to get water, they won't drink enough. Keep coolers close.

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