Senegal : sachet water is raising health concerns

A university study has raised serious concerns over the quality of plastic-bagged drinking water sold in Dakar, revealing widespread contamination that could pose health risks to consumers.

According to research conducted by four scientists from Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar, 83% of tested water sachets were found to be unfit for consumption due to bacterial contamination levels exceeding the limits recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). The study also detected possible traces of fecal contamination in 15% of the samples.

The researchers collected 60 water sachets between August and September 2018 from five of the capital’s largest markets: Tilène, Thiaroye, Colobane, Grand-Yoff, and Soumbédioune. The samples came from 15 different brands of packaged water, a popular product in Senegal because of its low price and accessibility.

Sold in small plastic pouches containing between 300 and 500 milliliters, sachet water has become a common source of drinking water for many consumers across the country. However, laboratory tests revealed worrying levels of microorganisms, including bacteria and other germs commonly found in the environment or the human digestive system.

The study found that 83% of the samples contained bacteriological contamination, while 15% showed the presence of coliform bacteria, which may indicate contamination from fecal matter.

Researchers linked these results to poor hygiene conditions during production and warned of a potential public health risk for Dakar’s population. They called for stronger consumer awareness campaigns and tighter monitoring of the production and sale of packaged water.

The findings come amid ongoing concerns over informal water production networks. In May, Senegalese authorities dismantled 12 illegal sachet water production sites on the outskirts of Dakar, highlighting challenges in regulating the sector.

With sachet water remaining widely consumed across Senegal, health officials and researchers are urging stricter controls to ensure safer access to drinking water.