My allotment has piped mains water running to 3 stand pipes covering about 30 plots. I have started drinking water from the taps but have recently had stomach problems. Many plotholders have tapped into the supply for standpipes further into their plots for convenience. I have been told that because these people don't install non-return valves this compromises the safety of the water as a whole. Is this true and could my stomach problems be caused by allotment drinking water?
Yes, if one plot has a pipe which enters directly a standing reservoir ie a butt or tank, then its possible to syphon back the contents of that tank into the main and this could certainly cause you problems. Also,if the supply across the plot,ie after the meter, is simple alkathene push fits, then it may be possible to draw in groundwater subject to pressure fluctuations. The local water company would probably test samples of the water for you, as they do like to show their prowess in such matters. I would take a bottle from home with a 'refresher', and not take the risk.
A hose being pushed or coupled on to taps can also cause contamination. At a site where I had a plot previously, threaded connectors were sawn of all taps on the site 'to comply with water authority regulations'.
I go camping /walking and have a portable decontamination thing. I'll look out name. Works well.
If there is a bit of hose hanging down all sorts of vermin will lick the end for their drinking water. Rats and foxes are the worse. Some caravan sites I go to will not allow a hanging hose on a tap for drinking water for this reason. Take a bottle of tap water from home is the safest bet.
Are other people suffering? Might be nothing to do with the water, suggest you check thing out with the doc as well as drinking something else.
Basically, just boil it, cup of tea or leave the boiled water to stand and drink cool.
I could be wrong on this but some times stand pipes are connected to the secondary supply.......fire hydrant etc.
Digmore. :wave: