Airplane Water...Is It Safe?

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Planning on a flight?...Use caution when drinking airplane water.  Think about it, do you drink bottled water, or do you have a water filter on your kitchen facet?  If that's the case, why would you want to drink water from a storage tank on an airplane?

In 2004 there were more than 30 aircraft the Environmental Protection Agency deemed as having contaminated water systems with coliforms or fecal bacteria.  Knowing this finding sends up a "red flag".  Can the EPA monitor every aircraft?  Realistically, no, the EPA cannot sample and report on every aircraft.  Therefore, it comes to the responsibility of the passengers, know what you're drinking.

Granted, U.S. based carriers have stepped up their efforts to monitor and provide safe airplane water.  Carriers are to report any contamination to regulators and find the source of contamination.  Airlines can be find more than $27,000 for each violation under the new EPA agreements.

We highly recommend that you drink bottled water, and use caution when ice is included in your drink.  Do you know where the ice came from?  Until you know it's ice from a "clean water" source, we suggest that you get use to drinking warm drinks...it may save you from a possible illness.

If you've experienced drinking unclean airplane water, contact us.

Craig Dahl - Senior Editor

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