Water hygiene measures stepped up at Chek Lap Kok airport after bacteria found in two tankers
Coliform bacteria, related to E coli virus not present in sufficient quantity to pose risk, health department says
Hygiene measures have been stepped up at Chek Lap Kok airport after traces of coliform bacteria were detected in two water tankers that supply water to aircraft.
The tests were taken after samples from the tanks of 14 Cathay Pacific planes last month were found to be unsatisfactory.
The Port Health Office, under the Department of Health, conducted an investigation with Cathay, the Airport Authority and Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company (Haeco).
The department announced on Monday night that coliform bacteria was found in one Haeco water tanker – one of four that had filled the affected aircraft – and in one Pan Asia Pacific Aviation Services (Papas) water tanker.
Levels of bacteria ranged from one to two units per 100 millilitres of water. The two tanks have been suspended from operation and will be disinfected.
All 11 water tankers operated by Haeco will be sterilised and Haeco will increase sampling from once every three months – the standard for drinking water set by the International Air Transport Association – to once a week.