Water Quality and Factors Associated with Compliance of Drinking Water Refilling Stations as a Choice for Middle–Low Urban Households in Developing Countries

Abstract

Drinking water refilling stations (DWRS) are a growing business, providing affordable drinking water for middle–low urban households in developing countries in the last two decades. However, quality control including water quality and compliance with regulations, is not fulfilled completely by all DWRS. This study aimed to assess water quality and risk of recontamination of DWRS and compliance with administrative–laboratory testing regulations and factors associated with it. A cross-sectional study was conducted from March-August 2017 in Bandung City, and 229 of 659 DWRS were selected randomly. The water quality and risk of recontamination from refill gallons and outlet taps were examined using cotton swab and membrane filter methods to identify total coliforms/Escherichia coli. Compliance with administrative–laboratory testing regulations was identified based on the regulations of the Ministry of Health. Results found that water quality was unsuitable in 37.6% of drinking water and 34.1% of raw water. The risk of recontamination was found in 40% of refill gallons and 25.3% of outlet taps. Only 10.5% of DWRS complied with administrative–laboratory requirements. Factors associated with compliance were certified training and good management. An integrated system to manage and control the quality of DWRS is needed to prevent the consumption of nonstandardized drinking water.