A new analysis of airline water systems is raising concerns about what passengers may be drinking in the air, with researchers advising travelers to avoid tap water on planes and opt instead for sealed bottled beverages.
The review, conducted by the nonprofit Center for Food as Medicine & Longevity, examined more than 35,000 water samples collected over a three-year period from 10 major airlines and 11 regional carriers. Based on its findings, the group also recommends skipping coffee and tea made onboard and avoiding washing hands with aircraft sink water, suggesting the use of hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol instead.
While water quality is not typically top of mind for most travelers, the organization said it remains an “important public health consideration.” The group warned that consuming contaminated aircraft water can expose passengers to pathogens and lead to gastrointestinal illness.
Among the largest U.S. airlines reviewed, Delta and Frontier received the highest marks, each earning an “A” grade. At the other end of the spectrum, American Airlines, JetBlue, and Spirit were all assigned “D” ratings based on the study’s scoring system.
The findings showed that 2.7% of the samples tested positive for total coliform bacteria, a category of microorganisms commonly found in the digestive systems of humans and animals, as well as in soil and vegetation. According to the researchers, such results are used as an indicator of broader contamination risks.
“Testing for coliform bacteria is important because their presence in drinking water indicates that disease-causing organisms (pathogens) could be in the water system,” the Center for Food as Medicine & Longevity said in its report.
The study also detected E. coli on 32 occasions across the 21 airlines evaluated.
U.S. carriers with onboard drinking water systems are subject to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Aircraft Drinking Water Rule, known as the ADWR, which has been in place since 2011. The regulation requires airlines to routinely test for coliform bacteria and potential E. coli contamination, as well as to disinfect and flush each aircraft’s water tanks four times annually. The researchers noted, however, that the EPA rarely issues civil penalties to airlines found to be out of compliance.
Several airlines responded to the report. American Airlines said it is reviewing the findings and emphasized that its water program meets federal standards.
“American’s potable water program is fully in compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Aircraft Drinking Water Rule (ADWR),” the airline told CBS News. “A recent EPA audit showed there were no significant findings with our program, and we have not received any violations for any potable water cabinets or trucks that we use.”
JetBlue said it follows guidance from multiple federal agencies, including the EPA, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Federal Aviation Administration, and noted that it provides bottled water to passengers. Spirit said it maintains a testing and maintenance program that complies with EPA requirements.
“The well-being and comfort of our guests is very important to us,” the company told CBS News in a statement. “Our data shows we have made progress in this area in recent years, and we continue to evaluate and refine our procedures as necessary.”
Southwest Airlines, which received a “C” grade, said it regularly inspects onboard water quality, adheres to EPA standards, and sources water from local municipal systems that already meet public health requirements.
On its website, the Center for Food as Medicine & Longevity describes its mission as “creating a more equitable food system that will improve health outcomes.”
The study ranked airlines using a five-point scale, with deductions for violations such as contaminated water samples.
Major airlines, ranked best to worst:
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Delta Air Lines Incorporated (5.00, Grade A)
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Frontier Airlines Incorporated (4.80, Grade A)
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Alaska Airlines Incorporated (3.85, Grade B)
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Allegiant Air Limited Liability Company (3.65, Grade B)
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Southwest Airlines Company (3.30, Grade C)
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Hawaiian Airlines Incorporated (3.15, Grade C)
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United Airlines Incorporated (2.70, Grade C)
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Spirit Airlines Incorporated (2.05, Grade D)
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JetBlue Airways Corporation (1.80, Grade D)
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American Airlines Incorporated (1.75, Grade D)
Regional airlines, ranked best to worst:
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GoJet Airlines Limited Liability Company (3.85, Grade B)
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Piedmont Airlines Incorporated (3.05, Grade C)
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Sun Country Airlines (3.00, Grade C)
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Endeavor Air Incorporated (2.95, Grade C)
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SkyWest Airlines Incorporated (2.40, Grade D)
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Envoy Air Incorporated (2.30, Grade D)
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PSA Airlines Incorporated (2.25, Grade D)
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Air Wisconsin Airlines Corporation (2.15, Grade D)
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Republic Airways Incorporated (2.05, Grade D)
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CommuteAir Limited Liability Company (1.60, Grade D)
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Mesa Airlines Incorporated (1.35, Grade F)
Airlines for America, the industry trade group, said U.S. carriers comply with federal requirements governing onboard water systems.
“The top priority of the airline industry is the safety of all passengers and crew members,” the group said in a statement to CBS News. “U.S. airlines follow the guidelines of several government agencies — the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) protocols for testing drinking water, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements to routinely check water systems and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements applicable to water systems — to ensure the water onboard an aircraft is safe and reliable for consumption.”
{Matzav.com}
