Is there a flexible poly tube suitable for drinking water & is a filter required

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QUESTION: Is there a flexible poly tube suitable for drinking water & is a filter required? 16 Jun 2005, Queensland Australia

Because of the smell and taste associated with drinking water hoses (all) many caravanners have taken to using black poly pipe, with or without a filter.

Is there any associated danger from lead used in their manufacture?
Is there a flexible poly tube suitable for drinking water?
Does the use of a 0.5 micron carbon block filter overcome any problems?

ANSWER: 18 Oct 2005

Hey Frank,

My apologies for the delay in answering your questions concerning polytube. Due to the lack of funding in "The Lead Group" many of our important clients such as yourself will never be able to get professional advice from one of our staff members. All the staff at the lead group are currently volunteers who dedicate their time and support to clients such as yourself and it would be much appreciated if you can support our service so we can support you in future.
It seems that carbon black is the hazardous component of poly black products, not lead.

[Update 2010: See: www.polypipe.com.au/category29_1.htm and Vinidex Introduction Specs - Polyethylene General specifications for polyethylene and standards, www.iplex.com.au/iplex.php?page=lib&lib=5 ].

As you have found, poly tube is mainly used for getting rid of the bad smell and bad taste in drinking water. I had inqured about this issue with the professionals at Irrigation Warehouse and they believe that matrikx is the best filter for drinking water. The polytube still requires filtration. This websites gives an outline of matrikx products MATRIKX® CTO/2 The Workhorse Replacement Filters

[Update 2010: The LEAD Group Now supplies Water Lead test Kits for $100 or $85 for LEAD Group members for 2 samples includes all lab charges.]

Regards,
Shahilla