Nearly 13 percent of drinking water supplies sampled aboard domestic and international passenger aircrafts failed to meet EPA drinking water standards, according to data released by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

During August and September of this year, tank water used in galleys and lavatory sinks, was tested in 158 randomly selected aircraft as part of the agency's enforcement activities. Data revealed that 20 aircraft tested positive for total coliform bacteria while two aircraft tested positive for E.coli. Coliform bacteria and most strains of E.coli will not likely cause illness themselves. However, the presence of these bacteria indicates that disease-causing organisms (pathogens) may be present in the water system

The EPA began a review of water supply guidelines aboard aircraft in 2002. As a result of recent test results, the agency has initiated an expedited priority review of current regulations and is placing an increased emphasis on preventive measures, such as flushing and disinfection of aircraft water systems.

To view the EPA's airline testing data, please go to:
http://www.epa.gov/safewater/airlinewater/

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a revised set of guidelines for drinking water quality designed to prevent outbreaks of waterborne diseases and help nations establish uniform water quality standards. Updated information in the Guidelines for Drinking-Water Quality also reflects an effort by WHO to set recommended values for chemical limits in drinking water based on the latest scientific evidence.

While WHO reports that the majority of water-related health problems originate from microbial (bacteriological, viral, protozoan or other biological) contamination, the data also reveals that a significant number of serious health concerns may be caused by chemical contaminants, including naturally occurring fluoride and arsenic.

In the report, WHO advocates a proactive approach to drinking water protection, rather than solely relying on reactive traditional measures such as treatment processes to remove of pathogens. The agency offers its strategy for prevention and/or reduction of pathogens from entering water sources: a multiple barrier system of maintaining safe and secure water supplies that includes the protection of water resources, proper selection and operation of a series of treatment steps, and a managed distribution systems.

To view the complete WHO guidelines, please go to:
http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/dwq/gdwq3/en/

A study conducted on treated drinking water by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) found 40 different contaminants, many which are not currently subject to government regulation. Test samples showed the presence of caffeine, steroids, prescription drugs, solvents, cosmetics and flame-retardants among the contaminants from a single drinking water treatment facility. The study was first published in Science of the Total Environment in August.

While the contaminants were found at relatively low levels, the study is significant because it is the first time so many compounds have been found to survive conventional drinking water treatment.

USGS sources offer that one of the problems currently facing regulators is the sheer number of potential drinking water contaminants that require examination. Among proposed responses is the recommendation that regulators initially narrow down which contaminants need to be targeted for data collection and research the possible human health impacts of the contaminants.

USGS has already begun a number of studies to help identify the source of the contaminants, including whether measurable levels can be found in groundwater supplies or sediment.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced an effort to reduce the number of salmonella infections caused by tainted eggs. It is estimated that 118,000 illnesses associated with eating improperly cooked eggs contaminated with salmonella occur annually.

The number of salmonella cases that stem from "bad" eggs can be reduced by 33,500 per year if safety at farms with more than 3,000 laying hens is tightened, according to the FDA. This would put the agency on track to reach its goal of a 50 percent reduction in salmonella-related infection outbreaks by 2010.

Based on FDA findings, salmonella-associated illnesses can be limited by implementing preventative steps in the handling and sanitation processes in hen houses. The FDA officials say that contamination can occur not only inside the shell by passing through an infected hen's reproductive system, but also outside the shell in unsecured food safety environments. Safety measures suggested by the FDA include the following:

• Create a biosecurity program
• Clean and disinfect poultry houses that have had an environmental sample or egg test positive for salmonella
• Institute a pest and rodent control program
• Provide refrigerated storage of eggs at the farm

For further information about salmonella from the FDA, please go to:
http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~mow/chap1.html

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