61/100

Environment

Garden Hose Water

Low burden — Garden Hose Water is a relatively low-burden choice.

Drinking from or filling bottles with a standard garden hose.

The breakdown

Each driver rated 0 (none) to 10 (worst)

Chemical hazard
4
Everyday exposure
3
Persistence
4

Evidence strength: moderate · Detox Score = 100 − hazard×4.6 − exposure×3.4 − persistence×2.6, clamped 1–100.

What this means for you

A Detox Score of 61 places garden hose water in the Low band. None of the three drivers is severe, which keeps the burden manageable. Ordinary hoses can leach lead, BPA and phthalates, especially after sitting in the sun. A drinking-water-rated hose and flushing the warm water first avoid most of it.

Cleaner swap → A hose labelled drinking-water-safe (lead-free), and let it run first.
See where your whole exposure load is highest — free Exposure Score →

Frequently asked questions

Is garden hose water a toxic exposure?

Garden Hose Water has a Detox Score of 61 out of 100 (Low burden), which means it is a relatively low-burden choice. Ordinary hoses can leach lead, BPA and phthalates, especially after sitting in the sun. A drinking-water-rated hose and flushing the warm water first avoid most of it.

What is a safer alternative to garden hose water?

A lower-exposure swap for garden hose water is: A hose labelled drinking-water-safe (lead-free), and let it run first. Ordinary hoses can leach lead, BPA and phthalates, especially after sitting in the sun. A drinking-water-rated hose and flushing the warm water first avoid most of it.

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