Airplane Water Contaminated? If I'm not already freaked out about the plastic water bottle controversy, now I've just read about how some airplanes may have contaminated water. I first read about this issue on one of my favorite travel blogs The Perrin Post. Blog author, Wendy Perrin, references an article that she read in the Washington Post. According to the article, "The Environmental Protection Agency issued a 29-page proposal April 9 to make the nation's airlines follow a schedule for sampling water used in galleys and restrooms, as well as for keeping records, notifying the public of problems and taking corrective action. The aim is to limit the level of bacteria, such as coliform, in the water." Now, personally, I'm good with a little EPA guidance on airplane water. People and airline employees should be able to wash their hands in an airplane restroom without worry of getting sick, don't ya think? But, until the EPA gets airlines to fully comply with the recommended water testing, I'd suggest that you bring your own bottled water (hopefully in a bottle made with a "safe" plastic!) for drinking. In addition, consider using either alcohol wipes or hand sanitizer gels after using airplane water to wash your hands. (By the way, I always bring alcohol wipes with me to clean the tray tables and audio/video controls. Does that make me an official germaphobe?) A little prevention can go a long way in securing a healthy vacation for you and your family.
Photo by Saaby via Flickr (Creative Commons)
Posted by: |