Non-drinking water: public health risks

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Extract from the article: Togo is experiencing rapid urbanisation and an uncontrolled population explosion. This demographic explosion is leading to a high demand for drinking water. In recent years, there has been a proliferation of packaged water, commonly known as "pure wa

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Togo is experiencing rapid urbanisation and an uncontrolled population explosion. This demographic explosion is leading to a high demand for drinking water. In recent years, there has been a proliferation of packaged water, commonly known as "pure water". Dr Justine Sanni of the Laboratoire de Microbiologie des Aliments, de l'eau et produits divers at the Institut National d'Hygiène (INH) points out that the sachet water production sector is subject to regulation, but the fact that most producers operate underground means that production units cannot be regularly monitored by the relevant government departments to ensure compliance with production standards.

Water is a vital element for human beings. People can go several days without eating, but they cannot go more than three days without drinking water. No living thing on earth can survive without it. So we need to drink clean water. But how do you recognise good quality water?

Recognising good quality water

To be safe to drink, water must be clear and limpid, with no colour, taste or odour. « Water must be free of all bacteriological contaminants, harmful chemicals and any other undesirable substances, which can only be detected by laboratory analysis », said Dr Justine Sanni of the Laboratoire de Microbiologie des Aliments, de l'eau et produits divers of the Institut National d'Hygiène (INH). Water can only be declared to be of good quality if it has been analysed in a laboratory.

Consequences of drinking poor-quality bottled water 

Drinking unsafe water has serious consequences for human life.Access to drinking water for all is therefore a major political, economic and social issue.  A number of risks linked to poor hygiene can be identified, from production to marketing, which do not always guarantee the quality of drinking water. « Bacterial infections: untreated water can contain pathogenic germs such as Escherichia Coli, Salmonella, faecal coliforms and others that can cause severe gastrointestinal infections.  Contaminated water can be the source of numerous diseases such as diarrhoea, dysentery, cholera, schistosomiasis (bilharzia) and typhoid.What's more, once the water has been consumed, there is the problem of managing the packaging. Thrown away after consumption, the packaging is scattered almost everywhere by the wind and run-off water, making the streets unclean », explains Dr Justine Sanni.

What procedures can a company undertake to ensure water quality?

The indicators used to assess the conditions under which sachet drinking water is produced include the source of the water supply, the packaging equipment, the packaging process and the storage of the finished product.The hygiene of the production site, handling conditions and the maintenance of water storage equipment are also indicators for assessment.

« In Togo, the production and marketing of drinking water must comply with a set of regulatory specifications. Any company wishing to establish itself as a producer of water, whether in sachets or bottles, must provide an economic operator's card, an environmental compliance certificate issued by the Ministry of the Environment, a water abstraction permit issued by the Ministry of Water, a technical data sheet on installations and staff, the location of the site, the results of analyses, and the health certificate issued by the Ministry of Health », emphasised the specialist.

Role of the Institut National d'Hygiène (INH) in the drinking water production chain

In its capacity as a national public health laboratory, the INH is responsible for : epidemiological research leading to the prevention and epidemiological surveillance of communicable diseases, alone or with the collaboration of other national or foreign institutions, specialised analyses of clinical biology, bacteriology, parasitology, biochemistry, haematology and serology, quality control of water, foodstuffs and the environment, training of national laboratory staff and trainees from training institutes and schools, immunisation, issuing and approval of vaccination certificates required for international travel.

Through its missions, the INH is involved in the fight against epidemic diseases, while helping to guarantee the hygienic and sanitary quality of food and water in order to protect consumers. It is in this context that the INH supports water producers in the microbiological and physico-chemical analysis of water, food and various products.   This raison d'être is expressed on a daily basis through our commitments to our customers.

Advice for the general public and water producers

Dr Justine Sanni recommends that sachet water producers and distributors should comply with the health regulations laid down by the competent authority. They must regularly analyse their water to ensure the quality of their production before putting it on the market.  « Financial gain must not take precedence over consumer health. The public must demand quality from producers and not be satisfied with the cheapest water on the market », she urged consumers.

The INH, with its internationally recognised quality accreditations, is an opportunity for farmers, exporters and importers to be sure of the quality of their product. We are available to support producers in ensuring the quality of their products.  Our laboratories are located in Lomé and Kara and are open every working day, and since 07 October 2023 on public holidays and Saturdays.

Raymond DZAKPATA