In August and September of 2004, the Environmental Protection Agency tested the water on airplanes in airports throughout the United States. One out of eight tested positive for the coliform bacteria.

Coliform is a group of bacteria, one of which is fecal coliform. Fecal coliform bacteria in drinking water are a sign that human or animal fecal waste has been or is present. When coliform are present in drinking water it is possible that other disease-causing organisms are also present. According to the Vermont Department of Health, "Health symptoms related to drinking or swallowing water contaminated with bacteria generally range from no ill effects to cramps and diarrhea (gastrointestinal distress)." Since many diseases can be spread through fecal transmission, this is a cause for concern, but the EPA says it is not a cause for panic. Only 15% of airplanes showed signs of coliform bacteria at the time of testing.

In response to the initial test results, twelve airlines and the EPA agreed on a sanitation program in November, 2004. The water was tested again in November and December. Tests showed that the incidence of coliform in airplane water was even higher. One out of six airplanes showed the presence of coliform bacteria in the drinking water. The testing took place in 12 different airports on 169 passenger airplanes. Both the gallery faucets and the lavatory faucets were tested.

The EPA suggests that passengers with a compromised immune system should drink bottled or canned beverages and should not drink tea, coffee or other beverages prepared with tap water. Most airlines offer passengers bottled water, but carrying bottled water on to the plane is an alternative. Ice cubes are not usually made onboard an airplane. It may also be beneficial to carry a hand sanitizer for use after using the lavatory.

A myasthenic does not have a greater risk of gastrointestinal ill effects then a non-myasthenic, but myasthenic symptoms could exacerbate after exposure to this type of bacteria. Anyone having immune suppressant treatment (e.g. imuran, cyclosporine, prednisone, frequent IVIG) may have a compromised immune system and should take the precautions recommended by the EPA.

According to Karen Johnson (Chief, Safe Drinking Water Act Branch, Office of Compliance and Enforcement, EPA Region III, Philadelphia) once the contaminated water is in an airplane's water system the bacteria grows. If the bacteria is found the water tank is drained and then pumped with a hydro chlorite solution. This solution is kept in the system for several hours or overnight. The tank is drained again, refilled with water and retested. Johnson also suggests that precautions should be taken on any public transportation including trains and cruise ships.

The agreement between the EPA and the airlines requires the system to be cleaned within 24 hours of finding the coliform bacteria (with exceptions for some overseas flights.) Any airplane finding the bacteria and not able to clean the system immediately will post signs in the lavatory and gallery.
The airlines that have agreed to the sanitation program are Alaska Airlines, Aloha Airlines, American Airlines, America West, ATA Airlines, Continental Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue, Midwest Airlines, Northwest Airlines, United Airlines and U.S. Airways. Delta Airlines and Southwest Airlines are currently negotiating separate agreements with the EPA.
For more information please see the EPA news release.

©2005 by Dale Wurtenberger