Quality Control of Sachet-Packaged Drinking Water Sold in Primary Schools and Dantokpa Market in Cotonou

To assess the quality of sachet-packaged drinking water sold in primary schools and Dantokpa market in Cotonou (Benin), 44 samples were randomly selected from brands produced in Cotonou from November to December in 2017 for physico-chemical and bacteriological tests.

Eighteen (40.9%) of 44 brands subjected to bacteriological examination contained staphylococci bacteria. Twenty three out of 44 brands (i.e. 52.3%) examined also recorded the presence of common germs, and 9 (i.e. 20.5%) exceeded the maximum permissible level of 50germs/mL. E. coli is found in one sample, the presumptive search for faecal streptococci is negative.

On the other hand, no deviation was recorded to the WHO and to the National drinking water quality guidelines for turbidity (5NTU), nitrates (45mg/L), nitrites (3mg/L), ammonium (0.5mg/L). Two samples (4.5%) failed to pH test according to same guidelines for pH (6.5-8.5). We noticed the absence of residual chlorine in all 44 samples submitted to chemical analyses.

Poor hygienic conditions during packaging, coupled with poor storage conditions and the absence of residual chlorine, might responsible for the presence of these germs in the waters concerned. There is a need for regulatory authorities to take appropriate measures in safeguarding public health.