Hose hazard highlighted
December 1st 2007

Water companies are becoming increasingly aware of the potential health hazards to the public that can be caused by the use of flexible hose connections not manufactured to comply with the rigorous Regulation 31 of the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2000.

It was for that reason that David Styles, Southern water's officer in charge of water regulation and water efficiency, asked Hydralectric to give a presentation on the scope and severity of the problem.

The presentation by Richard Black with Hydralectric's Mike Quinn in attendance, pointed out that that the unapproved Ethylene Propylene Diene Polymer (EPDM) has been shown to support microbial growth and is definitely not approved as a material for use in water fittings and especially drinking water applications. Legionella is the main, though not the only, problem. Legionella bacteria are very difficult to eradicate; when present, they multiply rapidly as temperatures rise and the disease is said to be fatal in about 12% of reported cases.

Hydralectric manufactures the Qualflex range of braided, flexible hoses, all of which are WRASapproved.