Some people ask that “can I drink the water from a garden hose?”. In fact, I don’t suggest you drink the water from a garden hose. Because the garden hose is not for such purpose. It is just for garden watering and some clean work. In another hand, there will be chemical and additives inside the hose. Thus if you drink the water from it, there may be some problems. This remind me another question.
Is the PVC hose toxic?
PVC hoses can potentially be toxic, as they may contain chemicals that can leach into the water and harm human health. PVC is a type of plastic that can release harmful chemicals such as phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA) when exposed to high temp or UV. These chemicals can be harmful to the human body, especially in children and pregnant women.
However, not all PVC hose create equal. There are different types of PVC hoses and some are specifically suitable for portable water or other uses that require safe and clean water. These hoses may label as “drinking water safe” or “lead-free”. And they are made with materials that comply with laws for safe drinking water. There is another word you may be more familiar to, that is food grade hose. While if the hose is made from food grade material with FDA certificate, that will be nontoxic and safe. Then you can drink the water from the hose.
To ensure that you are using a safe and non-toxic PVC hose, look for hose that are label as safe for drinking water or are certified by organizations such as NSF, FDA or the Water Quality Association. In addition, make sure to follow the suggestion from supplier for use and maintain of the hose. Such as flush it before use and store it properly to prolong the service life.