Potable water

[electric]

Is water from hot water cylinder ,used for shower etc. regarded as potable water.?

 

[Bahco]

I would say not as it has been changed from its 'natural ' state from the water company.

 

[Nige F]

My old Dad used to make tea with it,to save the electric bloody awfull, it was

 

[electric]

Thanks. The reason why i asked was that i've been told not to use boss white on repair to cylinder as it is banned for use with potable water.

 

[jobloggs]

Hot water and usually cold water in bathroom in a non-pressurised system has come through the cold storage tank in the loft which may have a build up of sludge, the occasional dead rodent etc. Heating this greatly increases any bacteria growth. Boiling (it for tea) will kill these but otherwise not a good idea to ingest. Even cleaning teeth/rinsing mouth in bathroom would be better done with mains water although byelaws in some areas prohibit mains fed cold water at bathroom basin.

 

[cozzmic]

Tanks in lofts now have to be water reg compliant (used to be bylaw 30)
the tanks are insulated to keep the water cool, filters on the overflow and a screened vent to stop ingress of flys, birds and rodents. The water in this type of tank is classed as potable so perfectly drinkable. You still get back fed bathrooms all taps so whether it's hot or cold it comes from the same potable source.

 

[jobloggs]

The "new" requirements are as you say designed to prevent the problems with contamination but how many existing cold water tanks in the country are up to this standard?

My point was not that the use of boss white was OK, rather that it is better not to risk drinking water fromn a storage tank especially if its level of protection is uncertain.

 

[ACOperson]

Cozzmic, are you sure that water stored in loft tanks even with a byelaw kit is potable?

 

[ChrisR]

It is until it's heated. (Above 20º iirc) Then it becomes cat 2 water.
I think they changed Boss white, but that was for natural gas??
Boss Green is made for potable water.

 

[bab]

Thought bos blue was for potable water. Any way if ur gona use boss white to repair ya cylinder it may not be up to the new regs but prior to the new regs it was used on potable water for 30 yrs + so it aint that bad.If ya not registered & its ya own home its ur choice. Theres a lota people still on asbestos & lead supplies. that makes a jointing compound a little tame to me on the hot water system.

 

[electric]

Thank you all for your help.I have learned a lot from your answers.