Steering clear of the water on airplanes may save people from drinking the harmful contaminants swimming around in it. According to random water tests administered to 169 U.S. passenger planes, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found contamination by fecal coliform bacteria on about 17 percent of them -- almost a 5 percent increase from previous tests.
The first round of tests detected the presence of E. coli -- known to cause serious disease, diarrhea and nausea -- in some planes. The results of whether or not E. coli was present in the second round of tests is still being disputed.
Possible Sources of Contamination
It is difficult to pinpoint the exact source of contamination, as airlines can take on water numerous times a day in different cities, some overseas. And while the coliform bacteria itself does not necessarily pose a health danger, it might indicate the presence of other dangerous disease-causing organisms.
The solution? Major airlines have signed memorandums of agreement with the EPA requiring the airlines to disinfect both the trucks that bring the water to the planes, as well as the planes that hold water, every three months. The airlines agreed to test their water systems once a year.
The EPA also suggested that passengers with weak immune systems, such as those with cancer or HIV and transplant patients, request canned or bottled drinks. It is also wise to avoid coffee or tea made with tap water, using ice cubes, brushing teeth with airline bathroom water and perhaps even washing hands with bathroom water.
USA Today January 19, 2005
Drinking plenty of water every day is extremely vital to achieving total health and wellness, and this is especially important to remember while traveling. Although studies have rejected the conventional wisdom that people need to drink eight glasses of water a day, researchers have found that on a daily basis people get enough water from normal drinking behavior, such as drinking beverages at meals and in other social situations, and by letting their thirst guide them.
Water and Traveling
With two tests from the EPA proving that airplane drinking water is indeed contaminated (and getting worse), it is wise to protect yourself from the harmful bacteria you may be potentially exposed to.
Since I travel at least once or twice a month and suspect many of you may as well, or will sometime down the road, here are some quick tips to follow if you want to protect your health while traveling:
Ideally, bring your own water on board and store it in a clean, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) bottle.
If you forget to bring water with you, be sure to ONLY take the water if you see the flight attendant pouring it from the commercial bottled water. (You can also obtain a can of sparkling water, an option I frequently use.)
Remember to avoid drinks made with water, including coffee, tea and ice cubes.
Water Quality
So what type of water you should be drinking, whether traveling or staying home? Clean, spring water and filtered water -- I do not recommend drinking tap water or distilled water. Contrary to the traditional belief, it's also important to avoid fluoridated water.
One of the most important steps you can take for your own health and the health of your family is to ensure the safety of your tap water supply. This will help you to determine what type of filter you need to make sure your water is free from heavy metals, bacteria and other harmful contaminants. It is environmentally prudent to avoid bottled water, as it is a serious strain on the environment. Plus, some bottled water may not be any better than plain old tap water.
For more information on the importance of drinking pure water, please review my past article Do You Really Need Eight Glasses of Water a Day?
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