Dieter Scholz (2020)

Water Contamination on Aircraft

See video:
https://youtu.be/dlPOeudTTCI

See for figures:

Dieter Scholz: "Aircraft Cabin Air & Water Contamination/Quality – An Aircraft Systems Engineering Perspective", Presentation, QCAQE – Global Cabin Air Quality Executive, 7th Annual Forum, London, 31 March – 2 April, 2014. -
https://purl.org/cabinair/AirAndWater (PDF, 32 MB)
on
http://CabinAir.ProfScholz.de

1) Potential Contamination of Potable Water with Contaminants in the Bleed Air

slide 32: Water pressurization system A340 --- water tanks is connected with bleed air (compressor as alternate pressure source)
slide 33: Water pressurization system A380 --- water tanks is NOT connected with bleed air (separate compressor)
slide 34: Water pressurization system A320 --- water tanks is connected with bleed air
slide 35: Water pressurization system B737 --- water tanks is connected with bleed air

2) Potential Contamination of Potable Water with Hydraulic Fluid

Example A320 (slides 36/37)

2.1) Direct Connection of Hydraulic Fluid with Potable Water via Bleed Air Lines?

2.2) Indirect Connection of Hydraulic Fluid with Potable Water via APU and Bleed Air Lines?

Hydraulic fluid leaks small amouts into the landing gear bay; from there along the bottom of the fusalage and into the air inlet of the APU and into the bleed air - and from where a connection exists into the potable water tank. That flow path of hydraulic fluid is visible on the fuselage (visible contamination on white painted surface).

3) Summary

  1. Contaminations of the bleed air arrive without difficulty also the potable water tanks.
  2. Hydraulic fluid will find its way most probably into the potable water tanks via the APU.

4) Straight Advice

Do NOT drink tea or coffee on board of an aircraft! Better safe than sorry.

This page:
https://purl.org/CabinAir/WaterContamination