Potable water panel Gutter strip - my theory
Have a careful look at the belly area of a 757 aft of the main gear and you will invariably find a hydraulic fluid leak eminating from the centre hydraulic pumps.
Couple this leakage with the crap off the main gear and you have a rather unsavoury mix.
This fluid streaks down the centre of the fuselage and is redirected around the potable water service panel by the gutter strip, thus keeping the connections clean and skydrol free.
QED
Last edited by Golden Rivet; 11th Aug 2002 at 11:26.