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The Port Health Office (PHO) of the Department of Health (DH) today (July 6) announced the result of the last water sample of the investigation into the unsatisfactory laboratory test results of water samples collected from aircraft of Cathay Pacific Airways Limited (CX).
"Regarding the quantity of coliform bacteria in the water sample of one CX aircraft which could not be confirmed due to testing interference previously, the latest test result indicated that no pathogen or coliform bacteria were detected," a spokesman for the DH said.
"As a result, together with the negative results of the water samples from 13 CX aircraft announced last week, it is concluded that no pathogen and coliform bacteria were detected in all post-disinfection water samples collected from the 14 affected aircraft of CX," the spokesman said.
"The investigation of this incident has been completed. There is no evidence to suggest a contaminated water source at the water filling points of the airport. However, the trace amount of coliform bacteria detected earlier in the two water samples from water tankers of Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company Limited and Pan Asia Pacific Aviation Services Limited suggested a suboptimal standard of water quality, which may likely be related to the hygienic conditions of the water tankers. No pathogen or coliform bacteria were detected in the post-disinfection water samples from these two tankers," the spokesman said.
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 unsanitary conditions.
"The investigation results did not confirm a common contamination source for the affected aircraft. Nonetheless, we will continue to work with airport stakeholders to step up regular cleaning, disinfection and surveillance of water tankers. The Water Supplies Department and the Airport Authority (AA) will continue to closely monitor the water source quality at the airport. When there are any irregular results noted in routine water surveillance by airlines and ground handling companies, prompt notification to the AA and the PHO is required," the spokesman added.
Ends/Monday, July 6, 2015
Issued at HKT 16:51
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