Water quality is a critical, yet often underestimated, factor in the effectiveness of medical device reprocessing. Poor water quality can compromise cleaning efficacy, contribute to device damage, and ultimately pose a risk to patient safety through residual contamination or compromised instrument performance. This presentation will explore the consequences of inadequate water quality in sterile processing workflows, highlighting real-world implications for device function and patient outcomes. Participants will gain insights into the types of contaminants that influence reprocessing. Strategies for monitoring and controlling water quality in healthcare settings will be presented. In situations where optimal water quality cannot be guaranteed, the presentation will also address risk mitigation techniques to reduce the potential for harm. Attendees will leave with actionable knowledge to strengthen their facility’s decontamination practices and safeguard patient health, even in the face of challenging water conditions.