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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