Effect of Varying Storage Temperatures on the Microbiological Quality of Street Sold Water in the Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana

The study assessed the effect of varying storage temperatures on the microbiological quality of street sold factory-bagged sachet drinking water in the Kumasi Metropolis. Ten different brands of factory-bagged sachet water samples (30 pieces each), purchased from distributors and vendors were stored at 4, 32 and 26EC temperatures over a six month period. Same brands of the factory-bagged sachet water samples were also bought at random from vendors and the overall hygiene of the unopened bags assessed. Total coliforms, faecal coliforms, Escherichia coli, enterococci and Salmonella numbers were determined as an index of quality. Bacterial indicator counts per 100 mL on the unopened bags varied from 9.00-5.5610 2 for total coliforms, 4.00-3.9210 2 for faecal coliforms, 3.00-1.7510 1 for E. coli, 2.00-3.7110 2 for enterococci and 3.0-5.45 for Salmonella. Over the storage period coliform numbers increased by between 118-182% and 128-193% at normal atmospheric temperatures and between 112-154% and 114-165% at room temperatures but decreased by 74-92% and 79-82% at refrigeration temperatures for total and faecal coliforms, respectively. Escherichia coli increased by between 102 and 112% and decreased by 59-93% at normal atmospheric, increased by 33-78% at room and decreased by (-) 25-20% at refrigeration temperatures. Enterococci numbers increased by between 112-180% at normal atmospheric, 104-147% at room and decreased by 35-96% at refrigeration temperatures. Salmonella decreased by between (-) 28-47% at normal, room and refrigeration temperatures.