A workman has issued a stark warning about the state of the UK’s water supply, urging people to reconsider drinking tap water.
Currently involved in the removal and replacement of an old cast iron water supply at his site, TikTok user, The Ground Worker shared a disturbing insight into what many water pipes look like on the inside. “Do not drink water from your tap,” he cautioned in a video, before showing viewers the inside of a recently removed pipe filled with corrosion and sludge.
“That [pipe] was live not that long ago,” The Ground Worker added “This is why its important to have filtered water in your house. “
He concluded: “I’m a big believer in filtration systems – trust me I have seen a lot of that [pipes in that condition] and it’s not good for you – get a filter system on your tap.”
Writing in response, one TikTok user expressed their disbelief: “I’m paying 92 pounds every month for that.” Another person exclainmed: “Best thing I ever did was buy a water distiller, never drink straight from the tap.”
A third concurred: “Not touched tap water in six years, drank distilled water and is soo much better, highly recommend buying a distiller.” Whilst a fourth TikTok user shed additional light on the issue, stating: “I work in a water filter company and the amount of s*** that gets clogged in the filter in London area is mental.”
According to a Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) report from July 2023, however, British tap water supplies rank amongst the finest globally. In fact, overall adherence to standards for English public water supplies stands at 99.97%.
Nevertheless, the DWI has warned those with lead pipes, noting: “Lead from pipework can dissolve into the water whilst it stands in the pipe. Therefore, if you have lead pipework, the chances are there will be some lead in your drinking water.”
It adds: “The concentration of lead may depend on the following:
- How long the water has been standing in the pipe
- The condition of the lead pipework
- The temperature of the water; more lead will dissolve during the summer and autumn months
- Water hardness; harder water tends to form a protective scale over the surface of the pipe which can reduce the concentration of lead in the water.”
The DWI also observes: “Where a risk of lead exists, water companies treat the water with orthophosphate to reduce the problem significantly. Nonetheless, particles of lead may build up in these older pipes and intermittently appear in tap water.”
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
