Some sachet and bottled water in Nigeria are safe to drink, while others are not. The increasing consumption of packaged water—particularly sachet water—in Nigeria’s major cities and towns is largely due to the lack of access to potable water. Water is one of the essential resources necessary for the survival of all living things, including humans. Unfortunately, the Nigerian government has not adequately provided safe, pipe-borne water for the country’s growing population. This gap has led to the rise of private enterprises selling drinking water, many of which have limited knowledge of proper manufacturing practices.
Therefore, maintaining hygienic water standards and consuming clean water is crucial. Contaminated water can spread various diseases such as typhoid, cholera, and hepatitis. The quality of drinking water is a critical environmental determinant of public health. Safe and sufficient water must be accessible to all. Diseases caused by contaminated drinking water place a significant burden on public health. Improving water quality provides substantial health benefits. The United Nations General Assembly even declared 2005 to 2015 as the International Decade for Action, ‘Water for Life’.
Sachet water is affordable and readily available, but there are ongoing concerns about its purity. The sanitary conditions under which most sachet water is produced have often been questioned. Although there is limited national data, there have been reports of outbreaks of waterborne diseases linked to the consumption of contaminated sachet water. Therefore, understanding its microbiological safety is essential and should concern consumers, suppliers, regulators, and public health authorities.
Differences between Sachet and Bottled Water
Sachet and bottled water are commercially treated, packaged, and distributed in sealed food-grade containers for human consumption. The main difference lies in the packaging material: sachet water is stored in plastic bags, while bottled water comes in plastic or glass bottles. It is commonly believed that bottled water is purer than sachet water. In Nigeria, sachet water is often referred to as “pure water.”
Sachet water production began in Nigeria in the late 1990s, and advances in technology have made it one of the fastest-growing industries in the country. However, many consumers are unaware of the health risks associated with waterborne contaminants, which can cause diseases like diarrhea, cholera, dysentery, typhoid fever, Legionnaires’ disease, and various parasitic infections. The growing, unregulated consumption of packaged drinking water is a major public health concern.
What Are Waterborne Diseases?
Waterborne diseases are illnesses caused by consuming contaminated water, either directly or through food prepared with it. Contamination can occur through contact with infected individuals or surfaces, or due to poor sanitation. Pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites are responsible for spreading these diseases.
Common Waterborne Diseases
Typhoid: Spread through contaminated food and water, typhoid fever is highly contagious and prevalent in areas with poor hygiene. Vaccination and proper sanitation can prevent it.
Cholera: Caused by polluted water, cholera leads to severe diarrhea and dehydration. It spreads rapidly in areas with inadequate sanitation and can be fatal if not treated promptly.
Dysentery: Caused by bacteria or amoebas, dysentery results in bloody diarrhea and severe dehydration. It spreads through contaminated food and water or direct contact with feces.
Hepatitis A: A liver disease spread by consuming contaminated food or water. It is common in areas with poor sanitation. Recovery can take weeks or longer.
Giardia: Also known as beaver fever, giardia is a parasitic infection spread through contaminated water, food, or human contact. It can cause lasting digestive issues.
Causes of Waterborne Diseases
These diseases are primarily caused by pathogens (bacteria, viruses, parasites) spread through polluted water, contaminated surfaces, or poor hygiene practices—particularly handling food and drinks without proper sanitation.
Treatment of Waterborne Diseases
Treatment typically involves:
Rehydration to replace fluids lost through diarrhea.
Antibiotics for bacterial infections.
Anti-parasitic medications for parasitic infections like giardia.
Adequate rest to support recovery.
Prevention of Waterborne Diseases
Prevention is key. Steps include:
Personal Hygiene: Wash hands with soap and clean water before eating or handling food. Wear clean clothes and maintain overall cleanliness.
Wash Produce Thoroughly: Clean fruits and vegetables with clean water—preferably hot water—before cooking or eating.
Vaccination: Get vaccinated against diseases like hepatitis A and typhoid.
Avoid Tap Water: Drink bottled or treated water instead of untreated tap water.
Avoid Raw or Undercooked Foods: Cook meat thoroughly and avoid raw eggs or unpeeled fruits. Eat freshly prepared, hot meals when possible.
Effects of Waterborne Diseases
Contaminated water—polluted by human waste, industrial runoff, animal waste, and untreated sewage—can carry dangerous pathogens like hepatitis A and E. coli. Such water can cause food poisoning, skin and eye infections, and serious diseases like cholera and typhoid fever.
Rural and impoverished populations are especially vulnerable due to inadequate sanitation. Children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals face higher risks. Even if clean water is unavailable, people must take precautions and ensure timely vaccinations.
While some waterborne illnesses may resolve without treatment, others—like cholera—can be fatal if ignored. Even mild infections can weaken the immune system or cause long-term health issues. Taking preventive measures such as proper hygiene, clean water consumption, and vaccination is essential to avoid these potentially life-threatening diseases.
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