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Russian Consumer Watchdog Proposes Lower Hot Water Temperature

Take a hot shower while you still can! Russia's consumer safety watchdog, Rospotrebnadzor, has proposed lowering the temperature of the country's hot water by 10 degrees Celsius, the Meduza news site reported.

Rospotrebnadzor has prepared a modification to the country's sanitary standards that would allow water companies to heat the hot water they provide to 50 degrees, not 60. The watchdog claimed that water bills will fall accordingly.

Rospotrebnadzor also emphasized that the temperature could be lowered while adhering to rules intended to prevent outbreaks of water-borne illness. The current edition of the sanitary standards states that keeping the water at 60 degrees or above prevents the spread of bacteria.

The agency's modifications have not yet been submitted for public discussion. However, they are expected to come into force in March 2017.

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