Is it safe to drink from a hose? A doctor warns it could leave you feeling unwell

My love of gardening started as a kid, helping my parents with yard work in the garden. On hot days, when my thirst got the better of me, I'd unplug the hose from the lawn sprinklers and take a quick drink.

However, this isn't safe. I spoke to a doctor for her advice, and it turns out that drinking water from a hose isn't the brightest idea. Whether it's bacteria, fungus, or chemicals from the hose pipe, water from a hose has the potential to make you feel unwell.

That said, it isn't all bad news, and this water is still perfectly safe for plants. This is all you need to know about the safety of hose water.

Is it safe to drink water from a hose?

Most doctors I spoke to said that it's not a good idea to drink from a hose. The first reason is that most hoses are made from materials that can leach into the water.

Dr. Jennie Stanford told me that 'It is generally not recommended to drink water from a hose. Most hoses are made of materials that are not intended for the safety of potable water. As the water traverses the hose, it may collect harmful chemicals, like bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, lead, and other heavy metals.'

However, that's not the only issue. Even when they're switched off, hoses hold stagnant water which can be a breeding ground for harmful organisms. Dr. Stanford told me that 'the insides of hoses and outdoor faucets are contaminated with bacteria and fungi, which can cause severe health risks when ingested.'

What's more, both of these effects are compounded by heat. Dr. Stanford warns that 'most hoses will become hot from elevated environmental temperatures (especially in the summertime), which further increases the risk that these harmful substances may leach into the water.' Even if our hose is manufactured to be safe for drinking - like the Flexon PureFlo, available at Amazon - the heating and cooling of water left in the pipe will breed bacteria, so it isn't safe even if it's free from chemicals.

Dr Jennie Stanford

Jennie Stanford, M.D., FAAFP, DipABOM, is a distinguished double board-certified physician specializing in family medicine and obesity medicine.

Can my kids play in the sprinklers?

Before you panic and throw out your garden hose, it's still fine for plants. If your kids play in the sprinklers, they'll be fine too.

Dr Stanford told me that 'It is generally considered safe for children to play in sprinklers. As compared to hoses, sprinklers spread out water over a larger area, and this water is not typically ingested orally.' As long as your kids aren't drinking the water, they should be fine.

However, it's still worth keeping an eye on your kids as they play. Dr. Stanford told me that garden sprinklers can still trigger allergic reactions or skin sensitivities.

Do I need a filter on my hose?

A filter on your hose like this filter from Amazon won't make the water from your garden hose safe to drink. A filter won't remove all of the contamination; it's just to filter out some of the chemicals that might affect plants.

Dr. Stanford told me that 'Hose filters can potentially help reduce microbial contamination, especially when used on hoses that are made to be safe for drinking. Yet, the concerns still remain around storage, contamination not filtered, and potentially harmful chemicals.

FAQs

Can birds drink water from a hose?

All of the above applies to birds too. Hose water can become stagnant and unsafe, so you're best off filling bird baths with rainwater or water from the house.

For more help with watering, take a look at our guidance on watering plants with dishwater, and why I don't recommend expandable hoses.