Bacteriological Quality Assessment of Bottled Water Brands Marketed in Kitale Town, Trans- Nzoia County, Kenya

Background: Consumption of bottled water is increasing rapidly in developing countries as it is generally perceived to be pure, clean and of good quality. This has led to the sale of different brands of bottled water in several markets including Kitale town.

Aim of the Study: This study was conducted to assess the bacteriological quality of bottled water brands consumed in Kitale town.

Study Design: It was a cross-sectional study design which involved getting a snap shot situation of the prevailing bacteriological standards of bottled water sold in the Kitale town area.

Place and Duration of the Study: The current study was conducted in Kitale town area among outlets of bottled water brands.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the bacteriological quality of bottled water brands consumed in Kitale town. A total of 60 samples of bottled water from 20 different brands were randomly selected from several markets and analyzed for bacteriological contamination using multiple tube fermentation method to detect the presence of Escherichia coli coliform per 100 ml.

Results: From this study, only 90% of the bottled water brands representing the products of 18 companies had counts within the acceptable limits. Escherichia coli coliforms present in 100 ml of water were detected in two of the bottled water brands constituting 10% (6/60) of the samples. The presence of coliform bacteria in drinking water suggests the possible presence of pathogenic enteric microorganisms thus unsafe for drinking. The data presented here clearly raise the concerns regarding the quality of bottled water and highlights the danger posed to the public health.

Conclusion: The results from this study indicate a possibility that not all the bottled water sold in Kitale town is of good quality as perceived by the buyers. Therefore, any contamination may pose a unique hazard because of the widespread distribution of the bottled water. There is also need for continuous bacteriological screening, good manufacturing and sanitation practices that must be employed by the manufacturing companies of bottled water.