Hosepipes and hidden health risks

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

• Keep your hose somewhere cool and out of the sun. 
• Turn off your hosepipe at the tap and ideally fully disconnect it and store it in a clean, dry place when not in use.
• 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 complaint, 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 where they can be submerged, as contaminated water could be siphoned back into your homes’ drinking water pipes.

• Use a hosepipe that has been sitting around and full of warm water to fill a hot tub. Legionella, and other bacteria, can grow quickly in warm, stagnant water and cause Legionnaires Disease if inhaled through steam or water vapour

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