IDQP INSPECTION PREPARATION · Aero Support Group FZCO · Updated 23 October 2026
What is IDQP?
IDQP is the IATA Drinking-water Quality Pool. Participating airlines share audit reports on potable water providers at airports to protect the health of passengers and crew. The pool uses its own airfield inspection procedures, and audits cover the whole transfer chain: source, storage, hydrants or cabinets, water service vehicles and the connection to the aircraft.
The standards behind IDQP audits
- WHO Guide to Hygiene and Sanitation in Aviation, 3rd edition, Module 1: Water.
- IATA Airport Handling Manual provisions on potable water servicing.
- National drinking water rules at the station, for example Directive (EU) 2020/2184 in the EU.
- US EPA Aircraft Drinking Water Rule (40 CFR 141 Subpart X) for US carriers, which requires sampling, disinfection and flushing, and an operations and maintenance plan within the FAA-accepted maintenance programme.
What auditors look at
- Water source approval and sampling results from the supplying utility.
- Cleaning, disinfection and flushing of storage tanks, cabinets, hoses and water service vehicles, with records.
- Protection against contamination: dedicated equipment, caps on nozzles and hoses, separation from lavatory service.
- Microbiological sampling plans and results, with actions on positive samples.
- Training and hygiene practices of water service staff.
How ASG prepares you
- Gap assessment against WHO guidance, AHM provisions and national rules.
- Procedures for disinfection, flushing, sampling and equipment protection.
- Records and sampling plans that an auditor can follow.
- Staff training in hygiene and water servicing.
- Mock audit and corrective actions before the IDQP visit.
Conclusion
Drinking water audits look at a chain that is only as safe as its weakest link. Providers that disinfect, sample and record consistently and keep potable and waste servicing apart pass with confidence. ASG helps them build that discipline.
Frequently asked questions
The IATA Drinking-water Quality Pool, through which airlines share audits of potable water providers at airports.
WHO’s Guide to Hygiene and Sanitation in Aviation, the potable water provisions of the IATA Airport Handling Manual and the national drinking water rules at the station.
The EPA Aircraft Drinking Water Rule applies to US carriers. Providers serving US carriers abroad will be expected to support their sampling and disinfection requirements.
Key takeaways
- IDQP is an IATA pool for sharing drinking water audits
- Audits cover the chain from source to aircraft
- WHO guidance and the IATA AHM set the baseline
- Disinfection and sampling records are central
- Potable and waste servicing must be separated
Preparing for an IDQP audit?
Tell us your station and water service setup. ASG will assess readiness before the audit.