What temperature should water be for flushing internal compartments during full decontamination?

The correct temperature for flushing internal compartments during full decontamination is 120°F. This temperature is effective because it is hot enough to help dissolve contaminants and facilitate the removal of aquatic invasive species without risking damage to the materials of the watercraft or equipment being decontaminated. Using water that is too hot may create a risk of harm to the surfaces being cleaned or could potentially introduce new issues, such as warping or loosening components.

In addition, 120°F is a safe operational threshold that is typically within guidelines set by decontamination protocols for effectively managing invasive species. It ensures that the flushing process is thorough enough to eliminate organisms present while maintaining safety standards for the operators and preserving the integrity of the equipment.