Is it acceptable to perform hand hygiene with only water?

Performing hand hygiene with only water is not adequate because while water can rinse away visible dirt and some germs, it does not effectively eliminate a broad spectrum of pathogens. Soap works by breaking down oils and dirt on the skin and allows for the removal of microorganisms through the mechanical action of rubbing and rinsing. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers or antiseptic gels are also effective because they contain specific active ingredients that kill a wide range of germs. Therefore, simply washing hands with water does not provide the necessary level of hygiene, making it essential to use soap and water together or an appropriate hand sanitizer for effective hand hygiene.