On Friday, 26 May 2017 12:15:21 UTC+1, The Natural Philosopher wrote:
Talking to the water company installing new water mains/meters for the
new build here, it seems my water main in the street is asbestos!!!


http://www.fwr.org/pipeline/dwi0822.htm


so drinking asbestos doesn't harm you apparently.

So why don't they just hose down asbestos when thy pull it out of
buildings? And then chuck it in a pond to get rid of it?


It is asbestos cement and painted with bitumen.
Asbestos cement becomes dangerous due to weathering effects when the fibres are released
Asbestos is dangerous when inhaled, you can eat as much as you like.

It has to be disposed of somewhere where it the fibres aren't likely to get into the general environment.

Even somebody as thick as you should understand such simple stuff.