You think you’re doing your wallet a favor when you opt for a cup of water over a soft drink or alcoholic beverage while flying. However, your frugalness may be putting your gut at risk. According to a new study from Hunter College’s NYC Food Policy Center, the water you’re served on planes could be riddled with bacteria, including fecal bacteria. Yeesh.
The study states that, although the EPA requires that there be reliable and clean drinking water aboard airplanes, scientific researchers (and some flight staff) have verified that, generally speaking, airplane water tanks aren’t kept as clean as they should be.
“Planes come in, [and the tanks are] not being emptied and cleaned, because there is no time for that,” Charles Platkin, a professor of nutrition and the executive director of the Food Policy Center, told the New York Post. “The water tank is being filled on top [after] each usage. Whatever would be on the bottom stays there and sits there.”
Platkin explained that the EPA’s Aircraft Drinking Water Rule (ADWR) was initially instated due to prior issues with coliform, a form of fecal bacteria. In 2014, the EPA tested airline water tanks and found that 15% tested positive for coliform.
Some airlines like Delta and United say they use a “high-tech ozone disinfection process” at least four times a year to deep clean their tanks. But Platkin doesn’t like how this cleaning process is self-reported. He recommends all passengers steer clear of airplane water or other beverages that are brewed with water such as coffees and teas.
Now that’s some serious tea spillage, if we do say so ourselves.
You bet we’re bringing our own water on board next time we fly. Then again, maybe this information gives us a great excuse to order a cocktail.
