Some garden hoses leach lead and other chemicals into the water. The problem is that they are made of PVC, which uses lead as a stabilizer.
Consumer Reports tested 16 brands of garden hose sold at national chains and on the internet. In some hoses they measured 10 to 100 times more lead than the EPA considers safe coming out of a faucet. The hoses they found to be lead-free are: Swan Marine/Camper Hose, Teknor Apex Boat & Camper Self-Straightening Hose and the Better Homes and Gardens Kink-Free Hose.
We also like the Handi-Hose (pictured above) which is a compact flat hose, approved by the NSF and FDA for drinking water. It’s available from Amazon
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Lead Free Hoses
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Lead-Free Garden Hoses
I want to organic garden in containers. I have three made in Vietnam large pots, one glazed and two not. How do I know if they are lead free and safe to use? Thanks.
I would like to buy a lead free garden hose.
Dear MetaEfficient Folks,
Unfortunately the wrong link to the Gardener’s Supply lead-free hose was posted in this website. Here’s the link you’re looking for!
http://www.gardeners.com/lightweight-garden-hose/37-922RS,default,pd.html
Happy gardening,
Diane Fuchs
Assistant Buyer
Gardener’s Supply Company