Assessment of Bottled Drinking Water Quality, Safety and Community Perceptions in Dodoma City, Tanzania

Abstract

The popularity of bottled drinking water stems from its convenience and purity, driving its rapid growth, but concerns about safety and quality persist. Physicochemical and microbiological parameters of bottled drinking in Dodoma City were evaluated from September to December 2023. Additionally, key informant interviews and questionnaire surveys were conducted with government regulators, producers, and consumers on regulatory frameworks, production processes, and consumer perceptions. Overall, all brands tested were suitable for drinking and met World Health Organization and Tanzania Bureau of Standards guidelines. The total dissolved solids (F = 0.86, p < 0.05), calcium (F = 5.26, p < 0.05) and chloride (F = 0.32, p < 0.05) were significantly different, while other parameters were not (p > 0.05) between measured and labelled values. The total viable and coliform counts in two brands (10%) of water were higher than the suggested levels of 100 cfu/ml and 0 cfu/ml, respectively. Bottling companies reported observance of quality control measures (93%), adherence to regulations (91%), transparency in production processes (86%), and consumer awareness of labels, expiration dates, and trust in the bottled water industry (95%). Public awareness, inspection, and testing of bottled water, as well as strengthening the existing framework, are recommended.