Some airlines serve “potentially unhealthy water” to passengers, study finds
A recent study conducted by the Center for Food as Medicine & Longevity has revealed that airlines may be serving potentially unhealthy water to passengers. The study, which analyzed over 35,000 water samples from 10 major and 11 regional airlines over a three-year period, found concerning levels of contaminants in the water served on aircraft.
According to the study, researchers recommend that travelers avoid drinking coffee or tea served on flights and opt for bottled water instead. The analysis also advises against washing hands in aircraft bathrooms and suggests using hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Among major U.S. airlines, American Airlines, JetBlue, and Spirit received a “D” rating for their water quality, while Delta and Frontier were the top-ranked carriers, earning “A” grades. The presence of total coliform bacteria and E. coli in the water samples tested raised concerns about potential health risks for passengers.
The Environmental Protection Agency’s Aircraft Drinking Water Rule (ADWR) was established in 2011 to regulate the quality of water on aircraft. However, the study noted that the EPA rarely penalizes airlines for violations of the rule.
In response to the findings, American Airlines stated that they are closely reviewing the results and emphasized their compliance with the EPA’s ADWR. JetBlue highlighted their adherence to safety processes outlined by regulatory agencies and mentioned that they serve bottled drinking water on flights. Spirit Airlines did not provide a comment on the study.
Airlines for America, a trade group representing airlines, stated that its members follow federal guidelines to ensure the safety of onboard drinking water. The group emphasized the industry’s commitment to passenger and crew safety.
The study ranked airlines based on water quality, with Delta and Frontier leading among major carriers and GoJet Airlines scoring highest among regional airlines. The rankings were determined by the presence of contaminants in water samples and adherence to regulatory standards.
In conclusion, the study highlights the importance of monitoring and maintaining the quality of water served on aircraft to prevent potential health risks for passengers. Passengers are advised to be cautious about consuming water and beverages on flights and to prioritize bottled water for hydration.
