Basic Information
EPA is responsible for ensuring that public water systems provide water that is safe to drink, including water from aircraft in kitchens, drinking water fountains and bathroom sinks.
As part of enforcement activities, EPA conducted two rounds of random tests of the water supplies on more than 300 domestic and international aircraft arriving at selected U.S. airports. The first and second rounds of testing showed total coliform in 13 and 17 percent of samples (respectively). Total coliform are indicators that other disease-causing organisms (pathogens) could be in the water and could potentially affect people's health.
Since releasing the first test results, EPA worked with the airlines to:
- develop agreements to immediately reduce health risks to passengers and
- provide additional testing to help the Agency determine the nature and extent of the problem.
On October 19, 2005, EPA announced that agreements (administrative orders on consent) had been finalized with 24 U.S. passenger air carriers to implement new aircraft water testing and disinfection protocols. These protocols will protect the traveling public while we review existing regulations governing potable water aboard passenger aircraft. EPA is negotiating with three other major airlines, and has begun working with smaller, regional and charter airlines. Since then, EPA has signed agreements with an additional 21 U.S. passenger air carriers.
EPA is making information available to help the traveling public make informed decisions. Passengers with compromised immune systems or others concerned may want to request canned or bottled beverages. EPA will post updates as new information is available at www/epa.gov/airlinewater.
Under the agreements, air carriers will implement quarterly disinfection of water delivery systems aboard passenger aircraft. They will also increase monitoring and notify the public when testing reveals water that does not meet EPA standards. Air carriers will also be required to analyze possible sources of contamination that exist outside of the aircraft and to provide information related to practices of boarding water from foreign public water supplies, which are not regulated by EPA.
EPA began a review of existing guidance in 2002. In response to the aircraft test results, EPA accelerated efforts to develop regulations for aircraft drinking water. EPA worked collaboratively with other federal agencies overseeing the airline industry, industry representatives, and the public to develop the Proposed Aircraft Drinking Water rule, which is available for review and comment. The final rule is scheduled to be issued in 2009. Agency agreements with the air carriers and resulting administrative orders signed by the air carriers will govern aircraft drinking water safety in the interim.
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