A recent investigation has raised alarming concerns about water quality on U.S. airlines, revealing that the water utilized for both drinking and handwashing may pose health risks to passengers. Amid cramped seating, unruly travelers, and the myriad hazards associated with flying, it’s crucial to consider what may be lurking in the water supply before your next trip.
A study conducted by the Food Safety Research Group and the Urban Food Policy Institute at Hunter College examined water quality across 11 major and 12 regional airlines. The analysis rated the water quality on a scale from zero to five—where zero indicates the worst conditions and five the best—based on several factors, including the airline’s size, bacterial contamination levels, and compliance with the federal Aircraft Drinking Water Rule (ADWR). This regulation mandates that airlines provide safe drinking water. Alarmingly, only three out of the 11 major carriers met the minimum safety threshold, along with just one of the regional airlines.
Alaska Airlines and Allegiant emerged as the leading carriers concerning water safety, each achieving a score of 3.3, while Hawaiian Airlines closely followed with a score of 3.1. In stark contrast, Spirit and JetBlue received dismal ratings of 1.0. Among regional airlines, Piedmont Airlines led with a score of 4.33, whereas Republic Airways languished at a mere 0.44.
Precautions for Travelers
Given these findings, what precautions can travelers take to safeguard their health? Experts from the Food Safety Research Group and Hunter College recommend steering clear of any water that isn’t bottled and sealed—this includes coffee and tea served on board. Additionally, it’s advisable to refrain from washing your hands in airplane restrooms. Instead, bring your own antibacterial wipes or hand sanitizer for cleanliness.
Understanding the Risks
So, what makes airplane water a potential health hazard? The study notes that aircraft frequently refill their water tanks from various sources, both domestically and internationally. The quality of this water is also influenced by the cleanliness of the equipment used for transfer—such as tanks, hoses, and carts.
While airlines bear a significant share of the blame, the study highlights shortcomings in the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) oversight. The agency demonstrated a slow response rate and limited cooperation when addressing inquiries about penalties for violations. Notably, major airlines, including American, United, and JetBlue, provided vague responses regarding their numerous infractions over the past years.
Staying Healthy While Traveling
As air travel remains a necessity for many, it’s essential to prioritize your health. Sticking to bottled water and utilizing hand sanitizer can help mitigate risks associated with in-flight water contamination. For more tips on ensuring a safe journey, you can explore our other blog post here. Moreover, to enhance your fertility journey, consider checking out the information available at Make a Mom.
In summary, air travel presents various challenges, and the quality of water provided on airplanes is a significant concern. With only a handful of airlines meeting safety standards, passengers should take proactive measures to protect their health while flying.
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