Managing Bacteria Growth Self-contained safety showers and eye/face washes provide a viable solution for sites lacking a reliable potable water supply or with poor water pressure. If unattended or unused for extended periods of time, there is the risk of the water within these units becoming stagnant and susceptible to bacteria growth. Certain bacteria are identified as a potential source of infection in safety showers and eye washes, including: Acanthamoeba, which may cause eye ...