Which US Airlines Have the Safest Drinking Water on Planes?
Key Points
- 1Delta Air Lines (5.00) and Frontier Airlines (4.80) received the highest Water Safety Scores, earning Grade A for the safest onboard water.
- 2American Airlines (1.75) and JetBlue (1.80) scored lowest among major carriers, receiving a Grade D.
- 3The study found 2.66% of 35,674 water sample locations tested positive for total coliform bacteria.
- 4The report criticized the EPA for rarely imposing civil penalties for violations of the 2011 Aircraft Drinking Water Rule (ADWR).
A new report suggests passengers should reconsider drinking water on some flights. The 2026 Airline Water Study revealed significant differences in water safety among US carriers.
The study was conducted by the US Center for Food as Medicine and Longevity. It found that many airlines provide potentially unhealthy water to passengers.
Unsafe water violates the federal Aircraft Drinking Water Rule (ADWR). This rule requires airlines to provide safe drinking water for all passengers and crew.
Study Methodology and Key Findings
Charles Platkin, PhD, JD, MPH, directed the three-year study. Data was collected from October 2022 through September 2025. The study ranked 10 major and 11 regional US airlines.
Each airline received a "Water Safety Score" from 0.00 to 5.00. A score of 3.5 or higher indicated relatively safe, clean water.
The score was based on five weighted factors. These included violations per aircraft and E. coli contamination. Disinfecting and flushing frequency was also a factor.
Researchers analyzed 35,674 water sample locations in total. Of these, 949 locations tested positive for total coliform bacteria. This 2.66 percent positive rate suggests possible contamination.
Major Airline Rankings
Delta Air Lines earned the highest possible score. It received a perfect 5.00 and a Grade A. This gave Delta Air Lines the "safest water in the sky."
Frontier Airlines was ranked second among major carriers. Frontier received a Grade A with a 4.80 score. Alaska Airlines followed closely with a 3.85 score and a Grade B.
At the other end of the ranking was American Airlines. American Airlines scored the lowest among major airlines at 1.75. This score earned the carrier a Grade D. JetBlue was second to last among major airlines. It received a score of 1.80 and a Grade D.
Regional Carrier Performance
Regional airlines generally showed a greater need for improvement. Contamination was more prevalent in these smaller carriers. However, GoJet Airlines was a notable exception. GoJet was the highest-rated regional carrier with a 3.85 score. This performance earned GoJet Airlines a Grade B.
Regulatory Oversight and Enforcement
The ADWR was enacted by the federal government in 2011. It applies to carriers operating with at least one US stop. The rule mandates regular testing for coliform bacteria and E. coli.
Airlines must disinfect and flush water tanks four times yearly. Alternatively, they must test monthly if they only flush once a year.
Drinking water safety is jointly regulated by three agencies. These include the EPA, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the FAA.
However, the report criticized the US Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA rarely imposes civil penalties for ADWR violations. The study awarded the agency a "Shame on You" designation.
Impact and Passenger Recommendations
Aircraft water systems face unique contamination challenges. Water quality is affected by temperature and mechanical strains. Refilling from diverse water sources at different airports adds risk. Contamination can be introduced by ground equipment like hoses.
To reduce health risks, the Center for Food as Medicine and Longevity offered clear guidance. Travelers should never drink any in-flight water not in a sealed bottle. This includes avoiding coffee or tea made with aircraft water.
They also advised against using airplane bathroom sink water. Instead, passengers should use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. The sanitizer should contain at least 60 percent alcohol.
These findings highlight ongoing public health concerns. They suggest a need for stronger enforcement and monitoring. For more commercial aviation news, visit the flying.flights website. The industry must improve water safety compliance across all carriers.
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