AS everyone around Somerset is making the most of the hot weather, people are being urged to make sure outside taps have a ‘double check valve’ installed.

But what does this mean exactly?

A double check valve is a backflow prevention device designed to prevent water and bacteria affecting tap water supply.

WaterSafe is the national register of approved plumbers. It has some tips to help get your drinking water safe this summer.

The Met Office is asking for people to be 'weather ready' in preparation of a hot UK summer. (Image: PA)

WaterSafe says you must keep your hosepipe somewhere cool and out of the sun. It’s key to do this and turn off your hosepipe at the tap and ideally fully disconnect it and store in a clean place when not in use – this will reduce the chance of contamination.

Don’t place hosepipes in drains, garden ponds, buckets or watering cans as contaminated fluids can be easily siphoned to your drinking water supply. Using a hosepipe filled with warm water to fill a hot tub is dangerous, as it increases the chance of contracting Legionnaires Disease.

Around 1 in 10 people who get sick with Legionnaires Disease die due to complications with the illness.

To conform with Water Regulations, there should always be a gap between the water and the end of the hosepipe.

Julie Spinks is the director at WaterSafe.

She says: “Sadly, many people don’t realise how ill you can get if the water in your hosepipe ‘backflows’ into your drinking water or becomes contaminated by lethal bacteria, such as Legionella, that thrives in warm water.”

“Homes built since 1999 typically have an inline double check valve built into the supply pipe to the outside tap, and those built before that point usually have one built into the tap.”

Met Office preparedness expert Will Lang said: “Preparing ahead of severe weather is one of the best ways to minimise disruption for yourself, home and business.

"By following a few simple tips from WaterSafe, people can make sure they’re able to enjoy summer weather safely.

“WeatherReady from the Met Office includes simple tips from leading experts on how to prepare for severe weather, as well as make the most of the conditions.”