Early Wednesday morning, it was discovered that a “cross-contamination incident” involving the connecting of non-drinkable and drinkable-water lines in Terminal 6 at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) had occured. The non-drinkable water line was for the use of recycled chilled-air-conditioning water.
“All airlines and concessionaires were immediately notified,” said Nancy Suey Castles, Public Relations Director, Los Angeles International Airport. Airport staff covered all water fountains in the terminal, and temporarily shut down all food-and-beverage concessions within Terminal 6. Passengers were directed to concessions at adjacent terminals, which are not affected by the contaminated water.
Airport staff is distributing bottled water to passengers and airline employees for the time being. Despite the water related issues within the terminal, all airlines have drinkable water for all departing flights. The water system at Terminal 6 is currently being flushed and tested. Terminal 6 is home to Alaska Air, Allegiant Air, Copa, Frontier, Great Lakes, and United.