Flying has definitely lost its charm with cramped seats, loud passengers, and now, the unsettling reality of questionable water quality. A recent study has unveiled some alarming truths about the water on many US airlines — it’s not just your drink that might be risky; even the water for washing your hands could pose a health threat.
The 2019 Airline Water Study
The 2019 Airline Water Study, spearheaded by the researchers at Diet Detective and the Hunter College NYC Food Policy Center, evaluated the water quality across 11 major airlines and 12 regional carriers. Using a scoring system from zero (the worst) to five (the best), they assessed various factors, including bacterial contamination and compliance with the federal Aircraft Drinking Water Rule (ADWR). Only three out of the 11 major airlines managed to reach a score of three or higher, which indicates a minimally safe level of drinking water.
The findings were shocking: Alaska Airlines and Allegiant ranked the highest among major airlines with a score of 3.3, while Hawaiian Airlines followed closely behind. On the flip side, Spirit and JetBlue barely scraped by with a dismal score of one.
For regional airlines, Piedmont Airlines topped the list with a score of 4.33, but Republic Airways fell drastically short at just 0.44. Clearly, the results are troubling and have raised questions about how safe it is to consume anything that isn’t bottled or packaged while flying.
How to Safeguard Your Health
So, what can you do to safeguard your health? Experts from DietDetective.com and the Hunter College NYC Food Policy Center recommend avoiding any water that isn’t sealed in a bottle — this includes coffee and tea. If possible, skip washing your hands with onboard water altogether; instead, bring your own hand sanitizer or antibacterial wipes for that extra layer of protection.
Why is the Water Onboard So Hazardous?
As the study points out, airplanes often source their drinking water from various locations, both domestic and international. The quality of this water is influenced not only by the source but also by the cleanliness of the equipment used to transport it, such as hoses and tanks.
It’s not just the airlines at fault; the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has also been criticized for its poor response to concerns over water safety. In fact, many airlines, including American and United, have had numerous violations over the past several years, yet their responses to inquiries have been lacking.
Final Thoughts
In light of these findings, next time you fly, it’s wise to stick to bottled water and hand sanitizer. If you’re interested in learning more about related topics, check out this insightful piece on home insemination, or explore artificial insemination for more information on this subject. For a deeper dive into the topic, Wikipedia offers an excellent resource on artificial insemination.
In summary, the water on many US airlines is far from safe, and it’s essential to take precautions when flying. Stick to bottled beverages and use hand sanitizer to protect your health during air travel.
Keyphrase: Unsafe water on airlines
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