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United States Environmental Protection Agency
Airline Water Supplies
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EPA is responsible for safe drinking water, both from your tap and on airplanes. In August and September 2004, we tested drinking water aboard 158 randomly selected domestic and international passenger aircraft. Preliminary data we released on September 20, 2004 showed that 12.6 percent of the aircraft tested carried water that did not meet our standards.

We made the preliminary 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. We will update this information and our advice to the traveling public as soon as new information is available.

On November 9, 2004, we announced commitments from 12 major U.S. passenger airlines to implement new aircraft water testing and disinfection protocols. These protocols will further protect the traveling public while we review existing guidance governing potable water aboard passenger aircraft. We will draft new regulations over the next 12-18 months.

 

 

 
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