Fly the Friendly Skies but Watch What You Drink

 The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) tested hundreds of domestic and foreign airplanes and found coliform bacteria in the gallery and/or in the bathroom water of nearly 15% of those tested.  Even though coliform bacteria itself is not likely to make you ill, the findings do make it clear that there is the possibility that other more devastating bacteria, such as E. coli - which causes diarrhea in people with a compromised immune system – may be present.  Now the EPA has developed guidelines for the water used in airplanes in the USA. 

The guidelines will help with the problem but there is still a chance that there are some types of bacteria I the water and in other areas.  The safest thing you can do is to choose canned beverages and bottled water.  It is best to avoid coffee and tea to be on the safe side