61/100

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. 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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