Quality of sachet water vended as drinking water in Winneba

Abstract

The study sought to assess the quality of selected brands of sachet water vended in Winneba as drinking water. Specifically, it sought to assess the physicochemical properties (pH, colour, conductivity, turbidity, total hardness, total dissolved solids of sachet water), to determine the level of minerals in respect of calcium, magnesium, iron, chloride, sulphate and phosphate in the sachet water, and to evaluate the bacteriological quality (Enterobacter, Coliform, E.coli, Salmonella enterica) of the water as well as to evaluate the human health risk associated with the consumption of sachet water vended in Winneba. Eight sachet water samples collected from Winneba were used. Laboratory tests were carried out in triplicates. The results were compared with both World Health Organization (WHO) and Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) standards for thorough discussions. The results indicated that the sachet water samples demonstrated safe physicochemical properties, with pH, colour, and conductivity levels all meeting the WHO and GSA standards. The calcium, iron, chloride, sulphate, and phosphate levels in the sachet water samples demonstrated consistency across the brands. The study recommends that producers should implement continuous monitoring of physicochemical parameters, prioritize improving hygiene and disinfection protocols during the packaging, storage, and transportation of sachet water to prevent microbiological contamination.