Some airlines serve potentially unhealthy water to passengers, study finds

A nonprofit review of more than 35,000 aircraft water samples found 2.7% positive for total coliform and 32 detections of E. coli; the study graded several major carriers and prompted responses from airlines and industry groups.

Researchers at the nonprofit Center for Food as Medicine & Longevity analyzed more than 35,000 water samples taken from 21 U.S. airlines over three years. The group reported bacterial contamination in a portion of samples and assigned letter grades to major and regional carriers. The study also recommended that travelers use bottled water and avoid beverages and handwashing that rely on onboard water, and it urged hand sanitizer as an alternative. Airlines and the industry trade group issued statements noting compliance with federal testing rules. Key findings: - The analysis covered samples collected from 10 major and 11 regional U.S. airlines over a three-year period. - The report found 2.7% of samples tested positive for total coliform and recorded 32 detections of E. coli across the carriers examined. - The Center assigned lower grades to several carriers; the report lists American Airlines, JetBlue and Spirit with "D" grades, while Delta and Frontier received "A" grades and Southwest received a "C." - The Environmental Protection Agency's Aircraft Drinking Water Rule (ADWR) requires testing for coliform and E. coli and quarterly disinfection and flushing of aircraft water tanks; the study notes the EPA rarely levies civil penalties for ADWR violations. - Airlines and Airlines for America provided statements saying they follow EPA, FAA and FDA guidelines and that their potable water programs comply with applicable rules. Summary: The study draws attention to bacterial findings in a small share of aircraft water samples and to differences in grades assigned to carriers. It also notes existing federal testing requirements and limited enforcement actions. Undetermined at this time.