Water is an indispensable element vital for the sustenance of all living organisms. Consequently, ensuring access to safe drinking water is paramount for human health and overall development. Traditionally, efforts to secure this access have focused on communal water sources and piped supplies. However, in many Nigerian cities, access to piped water is constrained. Consequently, the enhancement of access to safe drinking water has yielded tangible health benefits, driving an increase in the production, sales, and consumption of packaged water, particularly in developing nations. Packaged water, encompassing sachet or bottled varieties, has emerged as a primary source of drinking water worldwide.
Sachet water, often dubbed “pure water” by locals in Nigeria, refers to conveniently packaged and machine-sealed water, sometimes sold in hand-filled, hand-tied plastic bags known as “ice-water.” It stands as the most widely consumed beverage among both affluent and disadvantaged segments of Nigerian society due to its affordability, widespread availability, and convenient alternative to bottled brands. Sachet water production is regulated by the National Agency for Foods and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and adheres to stringent standards to ensure cleanliness and safety. Nevertheless, it is imperative to note that sachet water may not be entirely sterile and could potentially harbor infectious microorganisms, potentially attributable to the water source itself.
Sachet Water Quality and Safety
Numerous investigations have been conducted to assess the quality of water, spanning across different dimensions including chemical, microbiological, physical, and even radiological aspects. For instance, a study published in the World News of Natural Sciences revealed that extended storage of sachet water at room temperature could lead to substantial alterations in chemical quality indicators, surpassing the limits set by the World Health Organization and posing potential health risks to consumers. Consequently, the study recommended not to store sachet water for more than 12 weeks from the production date. This highlights the necessity for producers to include clear production dates on sachet water packaging to facilitate informed consumer decisions.
Moreover, research published in the Journal of Applied Sciences and Environmental Management explored the impact of storage on sachet water quality in Ogun State, Nigeria. This study observed a rise in pH levels due to prolonged storage, while the presence of dissolved oxygen, along with organic material and nutrients, facilitated the rapid proliferation of bacteria over time.
Although sachet water sampled in Abeokuta metropolis during the initial production week met recommended standards for physical and chemical qualities, around 75% of water brands were found to be microbiologically unsuitable, with contamination by coliform bacteria. Thus, it is crucial for sachet water to be consumed promptly to adhere to WHO standards for drinking water. Given the significant implications of microbiological water quality on public health, regulatory agencies must intensify efforts to ensure adherence to standards and mitigate potential health risks.
In light of these findings, it is imperative to establish guidelines for sachet water production and storage. Reviews have emphasized that the expiration date for sachet water produced in Nigeria should not exceed four weeks from the production date. The public should be educated not to consume sachet water beyond this period.
Regulatory bodies must enforce standardized storage protocols to prolong shelf life and conduct regular sanitary inspections of sachet water factories to ensure compliance. Finally, mandating the inclusion of production dates on sachet water packaging is essential, enabling consumers to make informed decisions regarding their purchase and consumption.