EPA now to start testing drinking water on US airlines

 In many cases we are very fortunate in this country, that our government has implemented many policies that help protect our health. We have the FDA that helps monitor food and drugs, and we have the EPA that helps monitor environmental issues including water quality.

 

Obviously drinking water is essential to life and can be debated as one of our most important natural resources. Water that enters homes, restaurants, business, and other public places all are monitored and test on a regular bases. Now theses agencies are looking to add to this list, and start testing and monitoring drinking water on US airlines.

 

Starting now new rules are being put in place and U.S. airlines must regularly test, monitor, and cleanse drinking water systems that are on aircraft. These new rules are being implemented because tests five years ago found some failed to meet quality standards. The new rules will give airline companies two years to meet requirements such as routine disinfection and flushing of drinking water systems.

 

In 2004 officials tested the water quality from galleys and lavatories on planes. The water quality tests were conducted on 327 airplanes at 19 airports in 2004. The results found total coliform bacteria in 15 percent of the jets, an indicator that other disease-causing organisms may have been in the water too.

 

Many times we are critical of our government. This is one instance where we should be thankful that there is an entity looking out for our health, and have implemented measures to help protect the safety of citizens.

 

To read more about this article visit http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=aYLIYU.wWUiM . If you would like more information about drinking water contamination, and different water treatment and purification options please visit http://www.freshwatersystems.com/s-262-filters-by-contaminant.aspx