Abstract

Microbiological examination of bottled and sachet water sold and consumed in Nnewi metropolis, Anambra State, Southeast Nigeria was carried out to assess their microbiological qualities. The bottled and sachet water were bought from various sales outlets in Nnewi, Nnobi, Ichi and Ozubulu towns. Overall 45 samples belonging to 15 different brands (5 bottled table and 10 sachet water) were analyzed for their microbiological quality using standard microbial methods in triplicates of each brand. The biochemical characteristics of the isolates were studied and results showed varied degrees of microbial load which indicated Pseudomonas spp., Klebsiella spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus spp., Salmonella spp., Enterobacter spp. and Citrobacter spp. Of all the 15 sachet water brands analyzed, 40 % failed to meet the WHO drinking water standard of ten coliform per 100 mL, making them unsuitable for human consumption, but all the bottled water samples were of potable quality. The bottled water samples had more microbiological quality than the sachet water samples. The contaminated sachet water samples are not fit for human consumption. Causes of contamination of the water samples and recommendations for improving their microbiological quality were highlighted.