Characteristics of packaged water production facilities in Greater Accra, Ghana: implications for water safety and associated environmental impacts
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Date
2020-02-04
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Development
Abstract
Packaged water (sold in bags or bottles) is widely consumed in many countries and is the main
drinking-water source for most urban Ghanaian households. There are, however, few studies of
packaged water production. This study aims to assess the source water, treatment, and
manufacturing characteristics of sachet water (vended in 500 mL plastic bags), together with pointof-
manufacture risks to hygienic production. A sample of 90 sachets was collected of brands sold in
four neighbourhoods in Accra, Ghana, their packaging and physical characteristics recorded, and a
risk score calculated from these. Production processes were observed at 60 associated sachet
factories, producers interviewed, and surrounding neighbourhoods surveyed for contamination
hazards. 80% of producers packaged groundwater from boreholes and all treated water via reverse
osmosis. Almost all manufacturers (95%) reported site visits by regulators in the previous year and
few risks to hygienic production were observed at factories. Sanitary risk scores were 9.2% higher at
the seven factories never visited by a regulator, though this difference was not significant (t ¼ 1.81;
p ¼ 0.07). This survey suggests most Ghanaian sachet water originates from groundwater and is
comparatively safe, though a minority remains unregulated. Groundwater governance policy could
support this industry in meeting Greater Accra’s growing water demand through the designation of
protected municipal wellfields.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Groundwater, packaged water, urbanisation, water pollution, water safety