Hosepipes and hidden health risks
Summer sunshine means paddling pools, topping up ponds and more garden watering. But did you know the humble hosepipe can present one of the health risks during warm weather?
WaterSafe, the UK register of approved drinking water contractors, is warning households that hosepipes which are incorrectly fitted, or left submerged in places like ponds, watering cans or paddling pools, can cause illness.
This is because the dirty water can ‘backflow’ into the drinking water supply and has the potential to make you ill.
It has compiled a simple list of Do’s and Don’ts, backed by The Royal Society for Public Health, to keep you and your families safe.
DO
- Make sure there is a gap between the end of the hosepipe and the surgace of the water - never submerge it in water.
- Keep your hose somewhere cool and out of the sun, gently run it without any attachments before use until the water is cool.
- Turn off your hosepipe at the tap and ideally fully disconnect it and store it in a clean, dry place when not in use - away from sun or heat.
- Fit a self-closing flow control, such as a trigger spray gun, to help use less water and reduce the risk of backflow when left unattended – but always gently run the water out of the hose without any attachments first, to avoid creating a vapour which could contain Legionella or other bacteria
- Fit a compliant double check valve to garden taps. The british standard (BS EN 806-5) states check valves should be replaced every ten years. All plumbing products must be compliant, such as those approved by BSI, KIWA, NSF or WRAS.
- Use a watering can instead as it’s much more water-efficient.
DON’T
- Place hosepipes in drains, garden ponds, buckets or watering cans as contaminated fluid could be siphoned back into your drinking water supply.
If in doubt, seek advice from a WaterSafe-approved plumber to ensure you have the right safety measures in place.
You can find your nearest WaterSafe approved contractor at www.watersafe.org.uk
