Microbiological analysis of sachet water in Ayingba town in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State

Sachet water, often called “pure water,” is generally safe for consumption. Eight brands of sachet water are mainly marketed in Anyigba and Agbeji. Four of these are NAFDAC-registered. Bacteriological analysis of 40 samples of each of the sachet drinking water samples was examined to ascertain the portability of the samples. General accepted conventional standards were employed for coliform detection (presumptive count, viable count, multiple tube method coliform count). A microscopic examination was taken for the sediment and other debris, fungal hyphae and other protozoa. Bacteriological analysis from both sites showed the presence of pathogens (15cfu/ml), E. coli (30cfu/ml). Almost all the brands fell below WHO standards for drinking water and therefore had poor qualities. Of the eight brands tested, five showed the presence of contamination in the form of high coliform numbers and the occurrence of pathogens. This indicates that the pure water available in Anyigba and its environs is unfit for consumption due to operations below NAFDAC (2010) and WHO (2011). Efforts need to be intensified to monitor the rapidly growing pure water factory in order to meet the WHO standard.