Water on some airplanes tainted by waste, EPA study finds

[Rose Siding]

WASHINGTON - Water on some of the nation's airplanes may not be fit for drinking or even hand-washing, a preliminary federal study found.

The water on more than 1 out of every 8 airplanes that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency randomly tested was tainted with fecal coliform - evidence, the government said, that human or animal waste is in the water.

Federal officials disclosed Monday that the coliform was found in water samples drawn from the restrooms and kitchens of 20 airplanes tested between Aug. 3 and Sept. 9. In all, 158 airliners were tested.

On two of the planes, E. coli bacteria were discovered in the water. That form of bacteria can cause serious intestinal illness.

Even though the tests were preliminary and possible pollution citations and fines are still being negotiated with the airlines, EPA acting enforcement chief Thomas Skinner said his agency made the data public because fliers had the right to know about potential health problems with the water. He called the findings surprising

http://www.realcities.com/mld/krwashington/9715566.htm

[Habibi]

1. Well, can't say I've ever drunk the water from an airplane

loo sink. I stick to the bottled stuff. Still, ew.

[LifeDuringWartime]

2. gross!

i guess its best to hold it in on flights

[shanti]

3. jeez

i'll bring my own water next time! wonder how long they've been holding onto this info? been any lawsuits about this lately?

[He loved Big Brother]

4. I bet half of the countries that host our factories and military bases

don't have such spiffy water themselves.

[Career Prole]

5. Gotta cut corners somewhere.

Honey-roasted peanuts don't grow on trees!
/sarcasm