Deadly bacteria growing in hosepipes across Wales

With the school summer holidays in full swing and humid weather continuing across Wales, WaterSafe (a Newport-based plumbing accreditor) is warning households of potential bacteria which can grow from hosepipes.

The UK register of approved plumbers warns that improperly fitted hosepipes or those left submerged in paddling pools, ponds, or even watering cans can cause dirty water to backflow into a home’s drinking water supply.

Bacteria, including Legionella, can grow in stagnant warm water, leading to illnesses such as Legionnaires' disease, a severe form of pneumonia contracted by inhaling contaminated water vapor.

Legionnaires' disease can cause serious illness or even death, especially in the elderly or those with underlying health conditions.

WaterSafe told us their top tips for staying safe:

• Use Alternative Methods: Consider using a watering can or bucket to fill paddling pools or wash cars. Water butts can be used to water plants.
• Install a Double Check Valve: Fit a compliant double check valve to outside taps to prevent contaminated water from flowing back into the drinking water supply. Approved valves should be replaced every 10 years.
• Avoid Submerging Hosepipes: Do not place hosepipes in paddling pools, garden ponds, buckets, or watering cans where they can be submerged, as contaminated water could siphon back into drinking water pipework.
• Run Water Before Use: If using a hosepipe, gently run water out of it without any spray attachment before each use. Turn it off and disconnect it when not in use.
• Fit a Flow Control: Use a self-closing flow control, such as a trigger spray gun, to prevent the hose from being used when unattended.

Julie Spinks, Director of WaterSafe, said:

“We’re encouraging everyone to follow these simple safety measures to help avoid contaminating your drinking water supply and reduce the risk of contracting a serious illness.

A WaterSafe-approved plumber can fit an approved double check valve to prevent dirty water from backflowing into your drinking water.

Better still, use a watering can instead of a hosepipe – it’s much more water-efficient and won’t pose a risk to your drinking water supply.”