DRINKING WATER PREFERENCE AND MICROBIOLOGICAL CONTENTS OF SELECTED, LOCALLY CONSUMED SACHET WATER AT SINKOR, LIBERIA

This research assesses the microbiological quality and reasons for brand preference among consumers of sachet water samples in Sinkor area, Monrovia, Liberia. The study looked at the bacterial profile of sachet water in Sinkor, Monrovia, and considers factors that determined individuals’ preference of each water brand. A survey consisting of questionnaires was administered to 102 respondents in order to determine the several parameters, while the bacteriological quality assessments of sachet water samples were determined by the Most Probable Number (MPN), and pH value was determined by the pH meter. Five mostly patronized water brands were involved. Results showed that the order of factors considered before choosing a brand is in the following order: good taste> clean appearance>good packaging> odorlessness while they detested water brands based on same factors in the following order: bad odor> bad taste>possession of color or particles > rough packaging>lacks expiry date on the container. In addition to these, microbiological profile revealed that all of the sachet water samples analyzed fulfill WHO requirements. Monitoring bodies in charge of drinking water in the study area must be encouraged to maintain standards.