Assessment of the quality of sachet water vended in Ghana: experiences from the new juaben municipality

Abstract

Access to good quality water has been a challenge to humans due to the constant pollution of the limited freshwater resources around. Over one billion people do not have access to a safe source of drinking water. This phenomenon is leading to the loss of children below the age five (5) on an hourly basis. The deaths are due to the bacteriological contamination of water sources. For water to be acceptable for consumption, it should be colourless, odourless, tasteless and neutral to litmus. Chemical and biological test should prove the absence of harmful chemicals and germs.  Sachet water has become major source of potable water for urban dwellers. There is the need to check on the quality of the water being produced for sale to consumers. This research seeks to ascertain the quality of sachet water produced and vended in Ghana. Data was gathered through interviews and laboratory experiments. The results from the physico-chemical and bacteriological parameters of the samples indicated compliance with the Ghana standards on drinking water quality. The research recommends regular monitoring of the sachet water producing factories and good hygienic practices by the vendors and retailers.