The effects of storage on the bacteriological quality of sachet water produced, sold and consumed within Owerri Metropolis, Imo State, Nigeria

The sale and consumption of sachet water is common in Owerri metropolis because the consumers believed it was safer than tap or borehole water.The aim of this study was to assess the effects of storage on the bacteriological quality of  sachet water produced, sold and consumed within Owerri metropolis, Imo State, Nigeria. Fifteen sachet water brands were investigated for a period of four months. They were collected within 24 hours of production and stored at ambient temperature for four months. Samples were taken on monthly basis for enumeration of total aerobic heterotrophic bacteria and indicator organisms using APHA and WHO analytical methods.  Bacteriological analysis showed that Clets brand had the highest Total heterotrophic bacterial count of 5.7X101cfu/ml, followed by Elevated and Crystal while Ricano had the least count of 3.2x101cfu/ml. Total heterotrophic bacteria and total coliform count decreased gradually in all brands throughout this period. Escherichia coli was isolated in three brands.  Results from the research indicates that 60% of the brands analyzed met the WHO guideline limit for drinking when stored at ambient temperature within eight weeks period. However, storage beyond this period led to diminished potability  of sachet water