EPA Seeks Comments on Aircraft Drinking Water Rule
Even if passengers and crew are provided bottled water for drinking, water from aircraft lavatory taps must still meet drinking water standards. So says EPA, also noting that water provided onboard aircraft through lavatory and galley faucets must meet standards for human consumption, which includes uses such as:
- Washing face or hands;
- Brushing teeth;
- Consuming coffee, tea, or other beverages made with onboard water; and
- Drinking the water from galley or lavatory water taps.
EPA is currently seeking comment on the Draft Technical Guidance Manual for the Proposed Aircraft Drinking Water Rule. The primary purpose of the proposed Aircraft Drinking Water Rule is to ensure that safe and reliable drinking water is provided to aircraft passengers and crew. This entails providing air carriers with a feasible way to comply with National Primary Drinking Water Regulations under the Safe Drinking Water Act. The draft document provides guidance and contains EPA’s current policy recommendations for complying with the Aircraft Drinking Water Rule, to the extent that it is finalized as proposed.
For information or to comment on the draft guidance, visit www.epa.gov/safewater/airlinewater/regs.html#draft.