2 July 2015
The Port Health Office (PHO) of the Department of Health (DH) today (July 2) reported an update of the investigation following unsatisfactory laboratory testing results of water samples collected from airport water tankers and the aircraft of Cathay Pacific Airways Limited.
"No pathogen was detected in the post-disinfection test of water samples collected from the 14 affected aircraft of Cathay Pacific, of which 13 aircraft were tested negative for coliform bacteria. The quantity of coliform bacteria cannot be confirmed in the sample from one aircraft due to testing interference. Re-sampling for this aircraft was conducted today and the result will be released later when available," a spokesman for the DH said.
As for the two water tankers of Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company Limited and Pan Asia Pacific Aviation Services Limited which were detected with trace amount of coliform bacteria on June 29, thorough cleansing and disinfection were carried out by the companies immediately. No pathogen or coliform bacteria were detected in the post-disinfection water samples of these two tankers.
"PHO regularly conducts tests on water samples from aircraft arriving Hong Kong. If pathogens or clusters of unsatisfactory laboratory testing results of water samples indicating the possibility of a common source of contamination are found, PHO will follow up immediately and initiate investigation. From January 1 to June 30, 2015, 194 water samples were collected from 78 aircraft of 48 airlines and no pathogen was detected. Coliform bacteria were detected from three water samples collected from three different aircraft in February, March and May respectively. The aircraft are operated by non-Hong Kong based airlines and the water source was outside Hong Kong. The airlines were informed of the laboratory findings accordingly for their follow-up action," the spokesman explained.
Coliform bacteria are not a single species of organism. They are a group of closely related, mostly harmless, bacteria which live in soil, water and the gut of animals. Coliform count is a hygienic indicator and a high level of coliform count generally indicates an unsanitary condition.
"We will continue to work with airport stakeholders to step up regular cleansing, disinfection and surveillance of water tankers. The Water Supplies Department and the Airport Authority (AA) will continue to closely monitor the quality of water source at the airport. When there is any irregular results noted in routine water surveillance by airlines and ground handling companies, prompt notification to AA and PHO is required," the spokesman added.