A recent investigation has uncovered that the water supplied by most airlines in the United States may pose serious health risks, affecting everything from handwashing to drinking. In light of cramped seating, disruptive fellow travelers, and the inherent risks of flying, it turns out there’s yet another concern to ponder before you board your next flight: the quality of the water on the aircraft.
The Findings of the 2019 Airline Water Study
According to a revealing study conducted by Health Insights and the Urban Food Policy Center, the water quality on many airlines fails to meet safety standards. Alarmingly, this could lead to health issues for passengers. As part of the 2019 Airline Water Study, researchers evaluated 11 major and 12 regional airlines, scoring the water quality on a scale from zero (poor) to five (excellent). They examined factors like the size of the airline, bacterial contamination, and compliance with the federal Aircraft Drinking Water Rule (ADWR), which mandates safe drinking water.
Water Quality Scores
Only three of the major airlines and a mere one of the regional airlines achieved a score of three or higher, indicating acceptable water quality. Alaska Airlines and Allegiant topped the major category with scores of 3.3, while Hawaiian Airlines followed closely with a 3.1. In stark contrast, Spirit and JetBlue received dismal scores of one out of five. Among regional airlines, Piedmont Airlines led with a commendable 4.33, whereas Republic Airways lagged behind with a troubling 0.44.
Expert Recommendations for Travelers
Given the circumstances, completely avoiding air travel may not be feasible. To safeguard your health while flying, experts from Health Insights recommend steering clear of any water that isn’t bottled or sealed, including beverages like coffee and tea. Additionally, it’s wise to refrain from using the airplane’s handwashing facilities. Instead, consider bringing your own antibacterial wipes or hand sanitizer.
Why is Airplane Water So Perilous?
The study explains that aircraft often source their water from a variety of locations, both domestic and international. The safety of the water also hinges on the equipment used for transfer, such as hoses and water tanks. While airlines bear responsibility for these issues, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has also been criticized for its inadequate response times and lack of cooperation when addressing inquiries about violations.
Staying Safe While Flying
Next time you find yourself on a flight, remember to rely on bottled water and hand sanitizer to maintain your health. For more information on similar topics, check out another one of our blog posts here. Additionally, if you’re interested in navigating the journey of artificial insemination, you can refer to resources from Make a Mom, an authority on this subject, or visit the American Pregnancy Association for excellent insights on donor insemination.
Conclusion
In summary, a recent study reveals alarming safety concerns regarding the water quality on many U.S. airlines, prompting health experts to advise passengers to avoid drinking any water unless it is sealed and bottled. Prioritizing your health while flying is crucial, and carrying hand sanitizer can help mitigate risks associated with airplane water.