A critical assessment of quality status of selected sachet water in Calabar Municipality, Nigeria

Nigeria is endowed with abundant surface and sub-surface water resources, yet most urban areas are still faced with the challenges of providing potable and adequate water supply for its residents. The use of water is restricted by it quality which makes it unhealthy for a particular use. This paper assessed the water quality status of five sachet water in Calabar Municipality with the aim of comparing their physico-chemical parameters with those permissible by World Health Organization (WHO). Purposive sampling technique was employed to select five widely consumed sachet water with National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) registration numbers in five retail shops across the Metropolis. The result revealed that the physico-chemical parameters found in the selected sachet water samples did not vary (p>0.05), as their proportions were within the same range and ideal for consumption. Also, the analysis revealed that Blue Rose sachet water was adjudged the most suitable for consumption as the proportions of its parameters were within WHO permissible limits; this was followed by Marian sachet water, while Laura and Dukon sachet water samples were fairly potable for consumption, because the proportions of iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) far exceeded WHO maximum desirable limits for drinking water. Based on the findings, it was suggested among others that NAFDAC should critically monitor and carry out routine assessment of the site, water sources, equipment and chemical used by water factories. In addition, to maintain their suitability for consumption, regular monitoring of the sachet factories should be ensured by the concerned authorities.