One might imagine that it would be difficult for any medical facility to operate without proper water sources.  However, when that facility is a hospital, the impacts of a failing water pump can be downright devastating – for the hospital and the many patients relying on the provided care.

Recent reports indicated one hospital has known the torture of a malfunctioning water pump system for more than four days.  This wasn’t a case where another pump could be amped up to cover for another that had been damaged.  The whole system was down, and that has meant no water.  Drinking water is an issue, of course, but that can be purchased in bottled form to hold the hospital and its patients over until the pump can be fixed.  The lack of water, though, means no sinks, tubs, or showers, which would certainly slow progress to a dead stop at a medical facility, where cleanliness is paramount.  And, while considering that fact, also ponder the idea of having no functioning toilets at such a facility.  Needless to say, this is a major disaster, which has to be addressed as quickly as possible.

This sounds like the beginning of a horror movie. Unfortunately, this is a real news report, and the travesty has been ongoing for four days. When the system is repaired, it is hoped that new controls will be installed that gauge water levels and shut down the system when problems arise, before complete failure occurs.  Sensors and controls can be used to send messages directly to the technicians before small issues become something so drastically horrible.

It is not just a hospital that can be devastated by a broken water pump.  It is important to have your systems properly inspected and maintained on a regular basis.  This includes looking into the proper controls and sensors, so you can avoid this kind of real-life nightmare.