News
Aircraft Drinking Water Regulation Proposed
Release date: 03/28/2008
(Washington, D.C. - March 28, 2008) Aircraft
passengers and crews will be able to drink safer water under new
regulations proposed today by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The proposed Aircraft Drinking Water Rule (ADWR) will tailor existing
health-based drinking water regulations to fit the unique
characteristics of aircraft public water systems. The rule will protect
the public from illnesses that can result from microbiological
contamination.
"We're upgrading airline drinking water standards to first-class status
with better testing, treatment and maintenance," said Assistant
Administrator for Water Benjamin H. Grumbles.
In 2004, EPA tested aircraft drinking water quality and reviewed air
carrier compliance with regulations. EPA found that 15 percent of tested
aircraft tested positive for total coliform bacteria. The agency also
found that air carriers were not meeting existing regulations, primarily
because those regulations were designed for stationary public water
systems. In response, EPA began a process to tailor the existing
regulations for aircraft public water systems and placed 45 air carriers
under administrative orders on consent that are in effect until aircraft
drinking water regulations are final.
The proposed ADWR will protect drinking water through monitoring,
disinfection, and public notification, a combination that EPA believes
will better protect public health. The
approach will build on existing aircraft operations and maintenance
programs and better coordinate federal programs that regulate aircraft
water systems.
The proposed ADWR applies to the aircraft's onboard water system only.
The Food and Drug Administration is responsible for regulating the
airport watering points that include the water cabinets, carts, trucks,
and hoses from which aircraft board water. EPA and the states are
responsible for regulating public water systems that supply drinking
water to the airport watering points. While the proposed rule only
addresses aircraft within U.S. jurisdiction, EPA is also supporting an
international effort led by the World Health Organization to develop
international guidelines for aircraft drinking water.