# Drinking Water

(a) Drinking water from a noncontaminating fixture or container shall be readily available both indoors and in the outdoor activity area. 

   (1) Children shall be free to drink as they wish. 

   (2) Anchored steps or a broad-based platform shall be utilized when a drinking fountain is too high for the children in care.

{% hint style="info" %}
(3) Bottled water or portable containers will be allowed provided that: 

(A) The water and containers are kept free of contamination. 

(B) Bottled water containers are secured to prevent tipping and breaking.
{% endhint %}

   (4) All water for drinking shall be potable as defined in the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 5.

{% hint style="info" %}
(A) Title 24, Part 5, defines potable water as water that is satisfactory for drinking, culinary and domestic purposes and meets the requirements of the health authority having jurisdiction.
{% endhint %}

> NOTE: Authority cited: Section 1596.81, Health and Safety Code. Reference: Sections 1596.72, 1596.73, 1596.81 and 1597.05, Health and Safety Code.