EVALUATION OF THE WATER QUALITY INDEX OF SACHET AND BOTTLED WATER IN NIGERIA (CASE STUDY OF OLEH, DELTA STATE, NIGERIA

Potable water is a basic need for man in meeting his water needs. As important as water is to man, the government has neglected putting up infrastructures that will provide water for man’s use, thereby compelling individuals to obtain water from any source. Sachet water (SW) popularly referred to as pure water is a major form of drinking in most Nigerian homes, thus making it a possible conveyance medium for health risks due to contamination if persistent rather than for replenishment of the body. Though easy to serve and cheaply affordable, complaints abound on its purity and other health concerns. This research investigates the potability and comparative quality of sachet and bottled water consumed in Oleh Metropolis, Delta State, using the Water Quality Index (WQI). Five samples (four sachet water brands and one brand of bottled water) were randomly collected within the study area and analyzed to evaluate their physicochemical and bacteriological parameters using the APHA standard methods of examining water and waste water. The results were compared to the WHO permissible limits and Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) guidelines for water quality parameters for drinking water. The water status was evaluated using the weighted arithmetic method of evaluating water quality index (WQI). Results from laboratory tests conducted at Thermosteel Nigeria Limited revealed that most physicochemical parameters such as total dissolved solids (TDS), chloride, nitrate, and sulphate were within permissible limits. However, some sachet water samples showed slightly acidic pH levels and detectable total coliform counts, indicating potential microbial contamination. The bottled water sample met all standard requirements, exhibiting the best quality among all samples. WQI results showed three samples (S1, S2, and S5) were classified as “Excellent,” while two sachet water samples (S3 and S4) were considered “Good”. None of the samples exceeded the “Poor” threshold (WQI > 75). The findings indicate that while most packaged water sold in Oleh are potable and safe for human consumption, consistent monitoring, proper storage, and strict regulatory enforcement are essential to maintain public health safety.