Consumption of sachet water in Nigeria: quality, public health and economic perspectives

Abstract

Demand for drinking water is met by different methods in different parts of the world. Water packaging into polyethylene sachets (as a form of water vending) has assumed an innovative status which has spread from its origin in Nigeria to other West African countries. This research examined the factors that birthed this product and the problems associated with sachet-packaged water (SPW) by reviewing relevant literature. In addition, 11 SPW samples were randomly procured from Oshodi/Isolo-Ota Expressway in Lagos and Ogun States of Nigeria, and analysed for contaminants. The analysed parameters include turbidity, total dissolved solids, nitrate and sulphate, which were found to be within the safe limits of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria's (SON) 5 NTU, 500 mg/l, 50 mg/l and 100 mg/l respectively in all the 22 SPW samples. Other tested parameters such as pH, hardness, cadmium and iron, however, were found to exceed the SON limits of 6.5–8.5, 150 mg/L, 0.003 mg/L and 0.3 mg/L respectively in some of the samples. It was concluded that in spite of the challenges associated with SPW, the product has export potential and could be a water supply solution in water-stressed situations such as refugee camps around the world.