The Best Non-Toxic Hose For A Healthy Garden & Yard
Keep your organic garden and outdoor space free from harmful chemicals with a non-toxic garden hose and lead-free hose nozzle and hose reel. We’re sharing our favorite non-toxic, drinking safe garden hose brands and lead-free hose nozzles for watering your garden, filling a kiddie pool, hydrating your lawn and so much more!
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Whether you’re watering your garden or filling a kiddie pool, your hose may be inadvertently polluting the water that you’re using on your garden and yard with toxins. Keep your organic garden and outdoor space free from harmful chemicals with a non-toxic hose. Most garden hoses are not drinking water safe, meaning that they contain lead, either in the metal fixtures at the ends or in the hose itself. I’m also sharing lead-free hose nozzles and a lead-free hose reels.
A hose containing lead will come labelled with a California Proposition 65 warning that it contains a chemical known to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity. Aside from lead, there are other harmful chemicals that may be present in your hose, including phthalates, BPA, bromine (associated with flame retardants), PVC and other heavy metals like cadmium and antimony.
A 2016 study, conducted by the Ecology Center, tested 32 garden hoses for contaminants. PVC hoses were the worst offenders, testing positive for phthalates, lead, antimony and bromine. Did you know that recycled electronic waste is used frequently in PVC hoses? Hoses made with PVC tested positive for high levels of bromine (an indication of brominated flame retardants), lead, antimony, and tin.
Even if you shop around for a PVC-free hose, there are plasticizers like phthalates and BPA that can be present in the hose. The Ecology Center also tested for phthalates in hoses, and found that 30% of the hoses labelled “Drinking Water Safe” tested positive for phthalates. When it comes to safe, non-toxic materials for a garden hose, The Ecology Center recommends purchasing a garden hose made of polyurethane or rubber.
We’re sharing the best non-toxic, drinking safe garden hoses, lead-free hose nozzles and lead-free hose reels for watering your garden, filling a kiddie pool and hydrating your lawn below:
Water Right Drinking Water Safe Hoses
Water Right drinking water safe hoses are drinking water safe garden hoses that are free from BPA, lead, and Phthalates. Water Right uses only 100% virgin polyurethane, and the formulations meet both FDA and NSF standards for drinking water safe applications. Water right doesn’t regrind or recycle resins that can often be contaminated and/or have compromised mechanical properties. The fittings are made from lead-free brass.
Water Right 300 Series Drinking Water Safe Hose: 25, 50, 75 ft; 3/8” inside diameter, extremely light
Water Right 400 Series Drinking Water Safe Hose: 7/16” inside diameter (4 gal/min at 40 psi)- slim, light
Water Right 500 Series Drinking Water Safe Hose: ½” inside diameter (5 gal/min at 40 psi)
Water Right 600 Series Drinking Water Safe Hose: 5/8 ” inside diameter (9 gal/min at 40 psi)
Water Right Drinking Water Safe Soaker Hose: ½” inner diameter- precisely controlled water delivery, consistent water weep from end to end, great flexibility without hose kink, superb lay-flat properties, easy maneuvering, slow root-zone watering.
Aqua Joe Drinking Water Safe Hose– This drinking water safe hose has aluminum fittings and is free of BPA, phthalates, and lead. It is constructed from a rugged, high-density, flexible hybrid-polymer material for maximum durability performance. The hose won’t twist, kink or tangle. The maximum pressure is 450 PSI and it comes in 3, 5, 50, and 100 ft length.
Eley Drinking Water Safe Hose
Cost: $41 – $398
Dimensions: 0.625-inch Inside Diameter (16 mm) 0.875-inch Outside Diameter (22 mm)
Pressure: 150 PSI (10 Bar) Max. Temperature: -40°F to 165°F (-40°C to 74°C)
Lengths: 6.5 ft, 12 ft., 25 ft. 50 ft., 75 ft., 100 ft., 125 ft., 150 ft., 175 ft., 200 ft.
From the Eley website: Eley FDA-grade polyurethane hoses are 100% lead-free and drinking-water-safe. Polyurethane is durable and inherently resistant to mold and mildew growth, making it ideally suited for damp environments or conditions that foster undesirable fungi. Eley hoses are Lightweight, and kink-resistant, and feature exclusive, patent-pending “full-flow” fittings, and are abrasion, cut, puncture & tear resistant. Made in the USA. Crush-proof, lead-free brass fittings. Industry-Leading 10-Year NO-LEAK Warranty
Eley Custom Cut Garden Hose
Cost: $37 – $224
From the Eley website: ⅝ inch, no returns. Garden hose sizes range from from 1 foot to 95 feet.
Lead-Free Hose Nozzles
As mentioned above, lead is typically added to brass to improve its machinability (but I found some that do not use lead). I looked high and low for hose nozzles that were lead-free, and found these hose nozzles:
Eley Brass Garden Hose Nozzle
Cost: $41.99
Max Pressure: 120 psi
From the Eley website: Eley Brass Garden Hose Nozzle is 100% drinking water safe and features an extreme-duty lead-free brass, stainless and formed rubber nozzle. The rotating hose fitting provides fatigue-free, wrist-turning motion. Extra-thick, insulated, comfort-grip rubber molding. Industry-leading 10-Year warranty.
Eley Garden Hose Spray Nozzle Sets
Cost: $64 – $93
Max Pressure: 120 psi
From the Eley website: Eley Garden Hose Spray Nozzle Sets are 100% drinking water safe and made from extreme-duty lead-free brass, stainless and formed rubber construction. Two versatile, no-drip nozzles are available with multi-use spray patterns. The rotating hose fitting provides fatigue-free, wrist-turning motion. Extra-thick, insulated, comfort-grip rubber molding. Industry-leading 10-Year warranty.
Eley Brass Watering Nozzle
Cost: $29
Max pressure: 90 psi
From the Eley website: Eley Brass Watering Nozzle has four shower patterns to meet your specific landscape needs. 100% drinking water safe. This nozzle features lead-free durable brass and stainless steel construction, and it attaches directly to hoses, valves, spray nozzles & wands. Industry-leading 10 year warranty.
Eley Brass 2-Way Garden Hose Splitter
Cost: $43.99
Max pressure: 120 psi
From the Eley website: Eley Brass 2-Way Garden Hose Splitter is drinking water safe and made with lead-free brass material. This splitter is expandable & stackable, with over-sized ON/OFF levers. Industry-leading 10-Year Warranty.
Eley Brass Garden Hose Shut-Off Valve
Cost: $38
Max pressure: 120 psi
From the Eley website: Eley Brass Garden Hose Shut-Off Valve is 100% drinking water safe. This valve attaches to garden hoses, faucets, or any watering tool and features a swivel fitting that makes connecting quick, easy and trouble-free. Smooth-action, over-sized, 1/4 turn “Stay-Put” flow lever. Reliable, commercial-grade brass construction. Industry-leading 10 year warranty.
Bonaire Stainless Steel Hose Nozzle
Cost: $42
From the Bonaire website: Bonaire Stainless Steel Hose Nozzle is a multifunctional spray nozzle features five different spray patterns and is engineered from aluminum, stainless steel and high-grade fiberglass–making this tool virtually indestructible and leak proof. The patented 2-way shut-off feature in both directions and Bon-Aire ergonomics rubberized comfort grip make watering a breeze. The Bonaire Stainless Steel Hose Nozzle fits any standard garden hose (5/8 in or larger recommended for optimal performance).
Lead-Free Hose Reels
As with hose nozzles, most garden hose reels have plumbing that contains lead. I found a brand, Eley, that does not use lead in their brass fittings.They have high quality hose reels, and the plumbing where the water comes through is lead-free.
Eley Wall Mount Garden Hose Reel
Cost: $210 – $239
From the Eley website: Eley Wall Mount Garden Hose Reel is set up for either parallel or perpendicular use. 100% Drinking water safe lead-free brass fittings. This hose reel features rugged, no-break aluminum-alloy construction and is backed by 10-Year No-Leak, No-Break, No-Rust Warranty. 5/8-inch x 6-1/2 foot polyurethane feeder hose included.
Eley Free Standing Garden Hose Reel
Cost: $223 – $252
From the Eley website: This Eley Free Standing Garden Hose Reel is a durable alternative to plastic ‘box’ style reels and has drinking-water-safe plumbing. Features a rugged, no-break aluminum-alloy construction, a wide, stable base and non-slip rubber feet. 5/8-inch x 6-1/2 foot polyurethane feeder hose included.
Eley 2-Wheel Garden Hose Reel Cart
Cost: $322 – $350
From the Eley website: Eley 2-Wheel Garden Hose Reel Cart features 100% drinking water safe plumbing and flat-free, rubber turf tires. It holds up to 125 feet of 5/8-inch hose. 5/8-inch x 6-1/2 foot polyurethane feeder hose included.
Eley 4-Wheel Garden Hose Reel Cart
Cost: $416 – $445
From the Eley website: Eley 4-Wheel Garden Hose Reel Cart features 100% drinking water safe plumbing and flat-free, rubber turf tires. It holds up to 125 feet of 5/8-inch hose. 5/8-inch x 6-1/2 foot polyurethane feeder hose included.
Eley Wood Post Mount Garden Hose Reel
Cost: $239 – $268
From the Eley website: Eley Wood Post Mount Garden Hose Reel features drinking-water-safe plumbing and includes (1) post-mount kit & (1) wall-mount hose reel. This is a great wall-mount alternative for stucco or vinyl siding. 5/8-inch x 6-1/2 foot polyurethane feeder hose included. This reel attaches to 4″ x 4″ (actual 3-1/2″) or 6″ x 6″ (actual 5-1/2″) or 4″ x 6″ wood posts. Wood post not included. Recommended hole size is 30″ deep x 12″ diameter. Rugged, no-break aluminum-alloy construction. Industry-leading 10-Year no-leak Guarantee & Warranty.
Garden Hose Water Filter
A garden hose filter screws on the end of your garden hose and filters the water coming out of the hose. For those who filter the water inside your home, you may want to filter the water coming out of your hose. If your children or pets are playing in the water or drinking it, that’s one reason to use a garden hose water filter. If you have an organic garden and want to use filtered water on your fruits and veggies, simply add a garden hose filter to your hose before watering your garden. Also, if you make compost tea with hose water, it’s best to filter the water to avoid any chlorine killing the microbes in your compost tea.
Boogie Blue Plus Garden Hose Water Filter– This filter removes 99% of the Chlorine and 87% of the Chloramine in your water, that are in your water. This filter features a dual catalytic-carbon and KDF material with a 45,000 gallon output.
Clean Water Fun Garden Hose Filter– This filter screws right on the end of your standard garden hose and removes chlorine, chloramines, VOCs, pesticides and herbicides. It filters up to 10,000 gallons of water at 1.5 gallons per minute.
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