RISK OF DISEASE DUE TO CONTAMINATION OF REFILL DRINKING WATER: USING QUANTITATIVE MICROBIAL RISK ASSESSMENT

Abstract

Refill drinking water has been popular due to its low price and practicality, but the quality is still questionable. Data from the Health Office of Pariaman City stated that based on laboratory tests on the quality of drinking water from the drinking-water refill depots in Pariaman City, it showed that every year more than 50% of drinking water from the drinking-water refill depots do not meet the health requirements for drinking water. This study aimed to investigate the health risks of refill drinking water generated from 78 drinking-water refill depots spread across four sub-districts in Pariaman City. Using the Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment calculation, the risk calculation used drinking-water refill depots laboratory examination data from the Pariaman City Health Office in 2020. It was found that there was a high risk of infection from E. coli contamination in refill drinking water, where the highest risk was in the North Pariaman District with an annual risk of disease for individuals of 5,14×10-1. This showed the ineffectiveness of drinking-water refill depots in eliminating bacteria and lousy hygiene and sanitation practices. An approach is needed for the owners and operators of drinking water refill depots to improve the tools' effectiveness and education on hygiene and sanitation for drinking-water refill depots operators to maintain patient safety and health.