*EPF109 09/20/2004
Text: EPA Releases Passenger Aircraft Water-Testing Results
(Several domestic, international planes carried contaminated water) (750)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced September 20 that 87.4 percent of randomly selected passenger airplanes met EPA drinking water quality standards in onboard testing and 12.6 percent of the aircraft carried water that did not meet EPA standards, says an agency press release.

EPA ran the water quality tests on 158 domestic and international passenger planes during August and September 2004, as part of its enforcement activities. Aircraft tank water is used in galleys and lavatory sinks. Initial testing of onboard water supplies revealed 20 aircraft with positive results for total coliform bacteria; two of the aircraft also tested positive for E. coli. Total coliform and E. coli are indicators that other disease-causing organisms (pathogens) may be present in the water and could potentially affect public health.

Passengers with compromised immune systems or others concerned may want to request canned or bottled beverages, the press release said. EPA will update its information and advice to the traveling public as soon as new information is available.

EPA is working with Air Transport Association (ATA), which represents several major airlines, and with non-ATA members on agreements regarding steps the airlines will take to ensure acceptable drinking water quality.

Information on the regulation of water supplies on airplanes is available at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/airlinewater/

Text of the EPA press release follows:

(begin text)

Environmental Protection Agency
Press Release
September 20, 2004

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

EPA Makes Passenger Aircraft Water Testing Information Available

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today is informing the American public of results from initial testing of drinking water onboard 158 randomly selected passenger airplanes. Preliminary data released by EPA today shows that in the recent tests, most of the aircraft tested (87.4%) met EPA drinking water quality standards. However, 12.6 percent of domestic and international passenger aircraft tested in the U. S. carried water that did not meet EPA standards.

As part of enforcement activities, EPA, during August and September 2004, randomly tested the water supplies on 158 aircraft. Aircraft tank water is used in the galleys and lavatory sinks. Initial testing of onboard water supply revealed 20 aircraft with positive results for total coliform bacteria; two of these aircraft (1.3 percent) also tested positive for E.coli. Both total coliform and E.coli are indicators that other disease-causing organisms (pathogens) may be present in the water and could potentially affect public health. When sampling identified total coliform in the water, the aircraft was retested. In repeat testing on 11 aircraft, the Agency confirmed that water from eight of the aircraft tested still did not meet EPA's water quality standards.

A significant part of aircraft travel includes international flights. According to the Air Transport Association (ATA), about 90 percent of ATA member aircraft have the potential to travel internationally. These aircraft may board water from foreign sources that are not subject to EPA drinking water standards.

EPA is committed to keeping the American public well informed of further testing and actions taken, reviewing existing guidance to determine areas where it might be strengthened, concluding water quality protection agreements with the airlines and taking enforcement actions where warranted.

We believe the information released today will help the traveling public make informed decisions. Passengers with compromised immune systems or others concerned may want to request canned or bottled beverages. EPA will update its information and advice to the traveling public as soon as new information is available.

EPA is working actively with ATA, which represents a number of major airlines, as well as with non-ATA members, on agreements regarding steps the airlines will take to ensure acceptable drinking water quality. The Agency is also discussing how airlines would provide the necessary additional testing to determine the nature and extent of the problem. If the parties are unable to reach an agreement or agreements promptly, EPA will exercise its enforcement authorities to achieve these goals. EPA anticipates an agreement with U.S. airlines shortly.

EPA began a review of existing guidance in 2002. In response to the aircraft test results, EPA has accelerated its priority review of existing regulations and guidance. The Agency is placing specific emphasis on preventive measures, adequate monitoring, and sound maintenance practices such as flushing and disinfection of aircraft water systems.

For more information on the regulation of water supplies on airplanes and to view publicly available testing data, go to: http://www.epa.gov/safewater/airlinewater/

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(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

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