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Airline Drinking Water Enforcement
EPA is responsible for ensuring the safety of drinking water in the United States under the Safe Drinking Water Act. This includes drinking water on aircraft. In 2004, EPA randomly tested the drinking water on 327 U.S. and foreign flag aircraft from different airlines at 19 airports around the country. The results of that testing showed that 15 percent of the aircraft had water that tested positive for total coliform bacteria. Total coliform is an indicator that other disease-causing organisms (pathogens) could be in the water and could potentially affect people's health.
EPA immediately began working with domestic airlines to address this problem. EPA has reached settlements with 43 airlines to ensure drinking water quality.
Each of the airlines have been implementing regular monitoring and disinfection protocols for its entire fleet of aircraft. Until the final rule for aircraft drinking water becomes effective, these airlines will continue to:
- regularly monitor aircraft water systems;
- regularly disinfect aircraft water systems and water transfer equipment;
- undertake corrective action when testing reveals a total coliform sample;
- provide public notice or suspend its water service when there is a total coliform positive sample result; and
- supply information regarding various aspects of its domestic and foreign water practices.
For more information, visit the Aircraft Drinking Water page, which provides a summary of the final rule for airline drinking water and links to the final rule and supporting materials.