David Ramey, DVM, was surprised that there have actually been a number of studies completed on irrigating wounds with tap water. He provides a fun review of why grabbing the garden hose in the stable is good medicine.
Source: Horse Network, July 3, 2019. Link. Ramey says he loves it when science supports what most people do anyway.
If you’re dealing with a fresh wound, I’d advise you to make sure that the bleeding stops first, because if you keep hosing a wound that’s bleeding, all you’ll do is wash off the little clots that are trying to form. Let the bleeding stop, then hose away.” – David Ramey, DVM