When I was a kid, summer days were spent entirely outdoors. If we got thirsty, we’d take a quick drink from the garden hose and keep on playing. We never thought twice about it. But now, as a parent and homeowner, I find myself asking, “Is it actually safe to drink from the hose?” It turns out, the answer is no.
With summer just around the corner, it’s important to understand the risks of drinking from a garden hose to keep your family safe. While drinking from the hose might feel nostalgic, it’s best avoided by today’s kids so they can enjoy summer safely.
Is the Water in My Sink the Same as the Water From the Hose?
In most homes, hose water and indoor tap water come from the same main water supply. That means the source is likely a municipal water system or a well, depending on where you live. So technically, the water coming from your bathroom faucet or outdoor spigot originates from the same place. However, the issue isn’t with the water, but with the different delivery methods at your home.
Any plumbing fixture that is meant to deliver potable, or drinking, water, must comply with safety standards set forth in the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Water Drinking Act (SWDA). This law created a “lead-free” standard for plumbing fixtures, fittings and pipes, ensuring these do not contain any lead that could leach into drinking water. However, non-potable fixtures, like shower valves, toilets and outdoor spigots (that connect to hoses) are exempt from SWDA regulations, so could contain lead…