Some airlines are serving “potentially unhealthy water” to their passengers, a study has found.

Introduction to Airline Water Quality

Airlines are serving passengers “potentially unhealthy water,” according to a new report. Researchers recommend travelers limit themselves to bottled water and avoid the coffee or tea served on the plane. The nonprofit Center for Food as Medicine & Longevity, which examined more than 35,000 water samples from 10 major and 11 regional airlines over three years, is also urging passengers to avoid handwashing in airplane restrooms and instead use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

Study Findings

The analysis found that 2.7% of the samples tested positive for total coliform bacteria, a group of bacteria found in the digestive tracts of humans and animals, as well as in plants and soil. Testing for coliform bacteria is important because their presence in drinking water indicates that disease-causing organisms (pathogens) may be present in the water system. E. coli was identified 32 times across all 21 airlines.

Airline Reactions

American Airlines told CBS News it is "closely reviewing" the results. "American’s drinking water program is fully compliant with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Aircraft Drinking Water Rule (ADWR)," the airline said. JetBlue said in a statement that it follows processes set forth by the EPA, the Food and Drug Administration and the Federal Aviation Administration to ensure safe water. Spirit also said it maintains a comprehensive testing and maintenance program that complies with EPA’s drinking water regulations for aircraft.

Rankings of Major Airlines

The group’s study rated each airline on a scale of 1 to 5, with points reduced for violations such as finding a contaminant in their water samples. The rankings are as follows:

1. Delta Air Lines Incorporated (5.00, Class A)
2. Frontier Airlines Incorporated (4.80, Grade A)
3. Alaska Airlines Incorporated (3.85, Class B)
4. Allegiant Air Limited Liability Company (3.65, Class B)
5. Southwest Airlines Company (3.30, Class C)
6. Hawaiian Airlines Incorporated (3.15, Class C)
7. United Airlines Incorporated (2.70, Grade C)
8. Spirit Airlines Incorporated (2.05, Class D)
9. JetBlue Airways Corporation (1.80, Class D)
10. American Airlines Incorporated (1.75, Class D)

Rankings of Regional Airlines

The rankings for regional airlines are as follows:

1. GoJet Airlines Limited Liability Company (3.85, Class B)
2. Piedmont Airlines Incorporated (3.05, Class C)
3. Sun Country Airlines (3.00, Class C)
4. Endeavor Air Incorporated (2.95, Grade C)
5. SkyWest Airlines Incorporated (2.40, Class D)
6. Envoy Air Incorporated (2.30, Class D)
7. PSA Airlines Incorporated (2.25, Class D)
8. Air Wisconsin Airlines Corporation (2.15, Class D)
9. Republic Airways Incorporated (2.05, Class D)
10. CommuteAir Limited Liability Company (1.60, Class D)
11. Mesa Airlines Incorporated (1.35, Class F)

Conclusion

Water quality may not be a priority airline safety issue for passengers, but it still represents an "important public health consideration." Drinking potentially contaminated aircraft water could lead to problems such as gastrointestinal illnesses and exposure to pathogens. The Environmental Protection Agency implemented the Aircraft Drinking Water Rule (ADWR) in 2011, which applies to U.S. airlines with onboard drinking water systems for passengers and crew. However, the EPA rarely imposes civil penalties on airlines that violate the ADWR.