New Study Ranks US Airlines on Onboard Water Safety; Coffee Drinkers Wary

A new study has highlighted significant variations in US airline water safety across major and regional carriers. The research supports long-standing warnings from flight attendants. These warnings caution passengers against drinking onboard coffee or tea. The study was published by the Center for Food as Medicine and Longevity. It analyzed results from 35,674 water tests. This data was reported to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The findings identify several airlines with potentially unsafe water systems. Passengers on American Airlines and JetBlue should be most wary.

Regulatory Context and Testing

Aircraft water systems are regulated by the EPA under the Aircraft Drinking Water Rule (ADWR). This rule requires airlines to perform regular testing. They must check for coliforms and E. coli bacteria. Coliforms are microbes that can indicate disease-causing organisms. E. coli specifically suggests fecal contamination. Airlines must also disinfect and flush aircraft water tanks. This maintenance is required at least four times per year. The ADWR was implemented in 2011 to ensure safe drinking water. Despite these rules, contamination can still occur. This happens due to water stagnation between flights. Temperature variations during flight also play a role. Contamination can also come from airport hoses and tanks. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also oversees maintenance programs.

Major Airline Water Safety Rankings

The researchers developed a scorecard for 10 major US carriers. The score was based on five weighted criteria. These factors included contamination levels and ADWR violations. They also tracked the frequency of tank disinfection and flushing.

Delta Air Lines achieved the highest score. It received a perfect five out of five (Grade A). Frontier Airlines followed closely. They earned a 4.8 score (Grade A). Alaska Airlines and Allegiant Air also performed well. Both received B grades.

At the bottom of the ranking were American Airlines and JetBlue. American Airlines had the lowest score. It received a 1.75 out of five (Grade D). JetBlue scored 1.8 (Grade D). JetBlue also ranked poorly in a similar 2019 water safety study. Spirit Airlines was also graded D. It managed a score of 2.05 out of five. United, Hawaiian, and Southwest all received C grades.

Key Data Points

• The study analyzed 35,674 total water samples.
• 949 samples (2.66 percent) tested positive for coliforms.
• 32 samples (0.09 percent) tested positive for E. coli.
• Researchers noted a large number of incomplete EPA violation records. This suggests the true number of bacteria breaches might be higher.

Regional Carrier Concerns

The study also evaluated 11 regional carriers. The findings showed a widespread need for improvement. Charles Platkin, PhD, directed the research. He stated nearly all regional airlines need to improve. GoJet Airlines was the exception. It topped the regional ranking with a 3.85 score (Grade B).

Six regional carriers received a D grade. These included SkyWest Airlines and Envoy Air. PSA Airlines, Air Wisconsin, Republic Airways, and CommuteAir were also D-graded. Mesa Airlines received the lowest score overall. It earned an F grade with just 1.35 out of five.

Expert Recommendations and Industry Response

The director of the center, Charles Platkin, advised caution. He recommends passengers avoid all non-sealed water onboard. This includes coffee and tea. He also suggested using alcohol-based hand sanitizer. This is instead of washing hands in the lavatory.

American Airlines issued a statement in response. The carrier affirmed its compliance with the EPA's ADWR. They noted a recent EPA audit showed no significant findings. The airline stated they are reviewing the study's analysis. This review will determine any potential program enhancements. This focus on onboard water contamination is critical. It impacts passenger health and airline operations. The findings underscore the importance of strict maintenance. Air carriers must adhere to the EPA Aircraft Drinking Water Rule. This is vital for public health. For more detailed commercial aviation news, visit flying.flights.