Study Finds Traces of E. Coli in Airline Drinking Water

According to the study, Alaska and Allegiant airlines provide the safest water, with Hawaiian Airlines coming in second. You probably want to avoid the water on JetBlue and Spirit, however, which were found to have the worst water quality.

The ADWR requires airlines to test water samples for coliform bacteria and E. coli, disinfect and flush water tanks four times per year, and conduct regular water tests. Judging by the study’s results, it seems as though many airlines are shirking their responsibilities, and E. coli and other contaminants are ending up in the water supply.

The study’s authors advise passengers to only drink water from a sealed bottle, don’t drink any coffee or tea, and instead of washing your hands in the bathroom, bring your own hand sanitizer.

Read the full study to see which airlines’ water you should probably pass on.