Sachet Water Quality in Obuasi, Ashanti Region, Ghana

Abstract

The advent of sachet water has increasingly filled the gap in household water security. This study investigated the quality (microbial and physicochemical) of sachet water in Obuasi in the Ashanti Region. A simple random sampling technique was employed in this study. A total of 30 samples from 10 brands were collected from vendors and hawkers for microbial analysis using the multiple tube method and results recorded as Most Probable Number (MPN) of coliform per 100ml of water. Mean MPN values ranged from 8.5-45 cfu/100mL for total coliforms. Based on the WHO and GSB standards for drinking water, all samples had elevated total coliform bacteria level. Only one sample (G) recorded faecal coliforms. Heterotrophic bacteria was also elevated in all samples ranging from 1.1 × 10⁴ – 6.5 × 10⁴ cfu/100ml .Using the ion chromatograph method, bromide and phosphate were not detectable in any brands. Fluoride values ranged from 0.154 – 0.427mg/L, chloride ranged from 3.995 – 10.243mg/L, nitrite values ranged from 0 – 2.278mg/L, sulphate values ranged from 0.1229 – 1.214 mg/L and nitrate values ranged from 1.031 – 21.827 mg/L. Fluoride, chloride, sulphate and nitrite concentrations were within the permissible range in all samples except for nitrate which recorded an elevation in only one sample (H). Total dissolved solids and conductivity values were within the WHO permissible range. However, pH values ranged from 5.4 – 7.6 with four brands were below the WHO range of 6.5 – 8.5. It is, therefore, recommended that periodic tests are conducted on sachet water products and caution given to consumers about brands which are unwholesome.

Key Words: Multiple tube method, Quality, Sachet drinking water