Abstract: The invention provides a hot water safety discharge nozzle and a water heater pressure/temperature relief discharge system having such a nozzle. The nozzle results in the decrease of both the pressure and temperature of the discharged water by spraying the water as small droplets. Generally, the nozzle includes a cap with a weep hole, wherein the cap substantially blocks the stream of discharge water, and a series of metered radial orifices which break the discharge stream up into small particles, and distribute those particles radially. The ambient air surrounding the nozzle cools the small droplets as they travel from the nozzle. Additionally, the perforate nozzle structure prevents insects and rodents from entering and nesting within the pipe, and also eliminates the danger of small objects, including human fingers, from blocking the discharge pipe.