In a significant investigation conducted between August and September 2018, four researchers from Dakar’s esteemed Cheikh-Anta-Diop University undertook a critical study into the safety of sachet water, a widely consumed and affordable beverage across Senegal. Their sampling involved collecting 60 water sachets from 15 distinct brands, sourced from five of the capital’s largest markets: Tilène, Thiaroye, Colobane, Grand-Yoff, and Soumbédioune. These small plastic pouches, typically containing between 300 ml and 500 ml of water, represent a popular choice for many Senegalese citizens.

The findings from these tests were unequivocal and deeply concerning. Researchers conducted two separate analyses to detect the presence of microorganisms, specifically molds and bacteria, which can originate from the environment or intestinal sources. The results consistently showed alarming levels of these contaminants, significantly exceeding the safety standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO).

A staggering 83 percent of the examined sachets were found to be contaminated with various bacteriological germs. Furthermore, 15 percent of the samples contained coliforms, indicating a potential and troubling contamination by fecal matter.

This widespread contamination points directly to “defective hygiene in the processing” of the water, as highlighted by the university study. The researchers unequivocally declared a “health risk” for “the population of Dakar who consume this water” and emphasized the urgent need to “warn consumers” while simultaneously implementing stricter “control over the sale of packaged sachet water.”

This revelation comes in the wake of recent enforcement actions. Only last May, Senegalese police successfully dismantled 12 clandestine production sites for these sachet water products operating on the outskirts of Dakar, underscoring the ongoing challenges in regulating this industry.