One risk is posed by the potential for microbial contamination of aircraft water by animal or
human excreta. This contamination may originate from source waters or may occur during
transfer operations or while water is stored on board the aircraft. Waterborne disease burdens
in many parts of the world include cholera, enteric fevers (Salmonella), bacilliary and
amoebic dysentery and other enteric infections. These diseases are not unique to water; food
may actually be the dominant risk vector in some environments, and, in fact, most airlines
have a good record with respect to known contamination incidents. However, any location is
at risk if proper procedures and sanitation practices are not continuously followed to ensure
the safety of water that is used for drinking and food processing and preparation.