The hidden danger in your garden as UK braces for its hottest June since '76

50 years on from the drought of 1976, households are warned about hidden dangers lurking in their hosepipe as they seek relief from 39°C heat during Met Office red warning.

The common garden hose could pose a hidden danger to drinking water this summer, as families across the country reach for paddling pools and sprinklers during what forecasters say is set to become the hottest June on record in the UK.

The Met Office has issued a red extreme heat warning - its highest level, reserved for the most severe weather events - as temperatures are expected to hit 39°C today.

With families looking to cool off however they can, WaterSafe Register, the free directory of approved plumbers, is warning households about a little-known risk lurking in the garden: the humble hosepipe.

If the end of a hosepipe is left underwater in a paddling pool, pond or watering can, dirty water can be drawn back into the home's internal plumbing - a process known as backflow. Warm water left sitting in a hose over a hot week can also allow Legionella bacteria to build up, which can cause Legionnaire's Disease if contaminated water droplets or mist are inhaled. The risk increases significantly during prolonged heatwaves, when garden hoses can reach high temperatures in direct sunlight.

According to the Drinking Water Inspectorate, more than 99% of drinking water leaving water company treatment works meets strict legal safety standards - but more than 31% of reported water quality events in homes are linked to poor plumbing, such as missing or faulty backflow protection.

WaterSafe Register is urging households to fit a simple safety device called a double-check valve to every outside tap and to follow a few easy habits when using water outdoors during the heatwave.

Top tips for safe water use this summer:

Don't submerge the end of the hose in water, such as a pond, paddling pool, bucket or watering can

Keep a visible gap between the end of the hose and the water surface

Disconnect the hose from the tap and store it in a cool, dry place when not in use

Run it briefly without an attachment before each use, until the water feels cool - this is especially important after a hot day

Fit a trigger nozzle so it isn't accidentally left running unattended

Fit a double-check valve to the tap and replace it every 10 years

Better still, use a bucket or watering can instead, where possible - and help save water during what is also set to be a very dry spell

Jonathan Samuel, Director of WaterSafe Register, said: "We are fortunate in the UK to have extremely high-quality drinking water, but it's easy to introduce bacteria if our plumbing is in poor condition or we're not mindful of the potential dangers.”

"During a heatwave like this one - with temperatures breaking records and hoses sitting in direct sun for days on end - the risk from legionella bacteria is real. We always suggest using a bucket or watering can where possible.”

"If you do use a hosepipe, make sure your tap has a double-check valve and follow important safety precautions to help avoid the risk of contamination and potential illness.”

"If you're not sure your tap has the right protection, ask a WaterSafe-registered plumber to check it for you."

A double-check valve, pictured, is a backflow prevention device consisting of two independent ‘check’ valves, designed to prevent contaminated water from flowing back into drinking water supply.

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