Abstract

Water is one of the most essential and indispensable resources for continuous existence of living organism including humans on earth. Sachet water mostly referred to as pure water is a major source of drinking water in Mubi metropolis. In spite of its importance as a major drinking water source there is little or no focus on its wholesomeness for human consumption. This study is conducted with the aim of assessing the quality of 10 brands of sachet water produced in Mubi metropolis. Physicochemical and bacteriological parameters were analyzed using standard methods. Physicochemical parameters studied (electrical conductivity, pH, temperature, total dissolved solids and turbidity) were within world health organization and standard organization of Nigeria recommended values. Similarly, among the heavy metals studied (Zinc, Cadmium and Lead), only Cadmium (from 0.05 to 0.07 mg/L) was found to be above the upper limit recommended by World health organization and standard organization of Nigeria in two brands of the selected sachet water AFA and MAY analyzed. Bacteriological analyses reveals that three of the water samples analyzed (ADS, DNM and UKT) contained Escherichia coli) above the upper limit recommended by world health organization. The contaminations observed reflect poor sanitary conditions of the water samples during or after production and lack of adherence to standard manufacturing practices by producing companies. This study suggests that all the sachet water analyzed in this study are not wholesome and therefore not fit for drinking at the time. Sachet water producers and retailer should be educated on the importance of maintaining good hygienic practices during production, handling, packaging, storage and sales. There should be a periodic analysis of sachet water quality by regulatory Agencies so as to maintain quality assurance in line with the international drinking water standard and further studies should be conducted to focus on water sources of the producing companies as this will go a long way in identifying how contaminants get into sachet water.