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Airplane Water Under Fire: Unhealthy Contaminants Found
7 Jan
Summary
- Study finds airlines serve potentially unhealthy water to passengers.
- Some major U.S. airlines received 'D' ratings for water quality.
- Researchers advise avoiding aircraft water and opting for bottled.
A comprehensive study has raised concerns over the quality of water served on airplanes, with researchers identifying "potentially unhealthy water" in samples collected from numerous airlines. The investigation, spanning three years and analyzing over 35,000 water samples, found evidence of bacterial contamination, including total coliform and E. coli.
Among the major U.S. carriers, American Airlines, JetBlue, and Spirit were given "D" ratings, while Delta and Frontier received top "A" grades. The study emphasizes that while water quality may not be a primary passenger concern, it is a significant public health issue. Travelers are advised to drink bottled water and use hand sanitizer, as drinking contaminated water can lead to gastrointestinal problems.
The Environmental Protection Agency's Aircraft Drinking Water Rule mandates regular testing and disinfection of water systems, but the study notes that penalties for violations are rare. Airlines have responded by stating their compliance with EPA regulations and commitment to passenger safety. The findings highlight a need for continued vigilance and adherence to safety standards for onboard water systems.
