Many people rely on tap water for their daily needs, but is it safe to drink? The answer isn’t an outright yes. While efforts have been made to improve water access, issues like contamination, poor infrastructure, and inconsistent water treatment raise concerns.

Unsafe water can lead to serious health problems, including diseases like cholera and typhoid. As water experts say, “Access to clean water isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity for health and development.” So, what’s really in Liberia’s tap water, and what can people do to ensure they drink water safely?

Sources of Tap Water in Liberia

Tap water in Liberia comes from different sources depending on where you live. In urban areas, the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC) provides piped water to some homes and businesses. However, not all areas have access, and even when they do, the supply isn’t always reliable.

In rural communities, many people rely on wells, boreholes, and hand pumps for water. Some also collect rainwater. While these sources can be useful, they are not always treated, meaning the water may contain dirt, bacteria, and other harmful substances. For those who don’t have access to tap water, buying bottled water or fetching water from rivers and streams becomes their only option.

Water Treatment and Quality Standards

The government has systems in place to treat tap water before it reaches homes. This includes filtering and adding chlorine to kill bacteria and other germs. However, not all tap water in Liberia goes through proper treatment. Aging pipes, leaks, and low water pressure can cause contamination, especially in areas where sewage systems are weak.

Liberia has water quality regulations, but enforcement is a challenge. In some places, tap water is tested regularly, while in others, it’s left unchecked for long periods. This inconsistency makes it difficult for people to fully trust that their tap water is always safe.

Common Contaminants in Tap Water

Even when tap water looks clean, it might still contain harmful substances. Some of the most common contaminants found in Liberia’s water supply include:

• Bacteria and viruses – These can come from human waste, making water unsafe to drink and causing diseases like cholera and dysentery.
• Chemicals – Old pipes may release lead or other metals into the water. Also, pesticides and industrial waste can seep into water sources.
• Dirt and debris – During the rainy season, heavy floods can wash dirt and waste into water systems, increasing the risk of contamination.

Health Risks of Drinking Untreated Tap Water

Drinking unsafe tap water can lead to serious health problems, especially for children, pregnant women, and the elderly. Some of the most common health issues linked to contaminated water in Liberia include:

• Diarrhea and dehydration – Waterborne diseases like cholera and dysentery can cause severe diarrhea, leading to dehydration. This is especially dangerous for young children.
• Typhoid fever – This bacterial infection spreads through contaminated water and can cause high fever, stomach pain, and weakness.
• Parasitic infections – Tiny parasites like Giardia and Cryptosporidium can be present in untreated water, causing stomach cramps and long-term digestive issues.
• Heavy metal poisoning – In some areas, old pipes may release lead or other toxic metals into the water, which can harm brain development in children and cause kidney problems in adults.

How People in Liberia Make Tap Water Safer

Since tap water safety isn’t guaranteed everywhere, people in Liberia have found different ways to make their drinking water safer:

• Boiling – One of the simplest and most effective methods. Boiling water for at least one minute kills bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
• Water filtration – Some households use water filters to remove dirt and harmful substances. Simple clay or charcoal filters can help, but advanced filters work even better.
• Chlorine treatment – Some people add chlorine drops or tablets to their water to kill germs. These are affordable and available in some pharmacies and health centers.
• Buying bottled or sachet water – Those who can afford it often buy bottled or sachet water, but this isn’t always a long-term solution due to cost and environmental concerns.

These methods help reduce the risk of illness, but they don’t solve the bigger issue of providing safe tap water for everyone.

Government and International Efforts to Improve Water Safety

Recognizing the need for clean water, the Liberian government, along with international organizations, has been working to improve water access and quality.

Some of the key efforts include:

• Upgrading water treatment plants – New projects aim to modernize old water treatment facilities, ensuring that more communities get treated water.
• Expanding water infrastructure – The Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC) is working to provide more households with piped water, but progress is slow.
• Partnerships with NGOs and aid organizations – Groups like UNICEF, the World Bank, and Aqua Maya are supporting water projects to bring clean drinking water to local communities.
• Public awareness campaigns – Educating people on the importance of boiling and filtering water helps reduce health risks.

Comparing Tap Water Safety in Urban vs. Rural Areas

Tap water safety in Liberia depends a lot on where you live:

• Urban areas (like Monrovia) – Some neighborhoods have piped water, but supply is unreliable. Many people still boil or filter their tap water before drinking it.
• Rural areas – Most communities lack piped water, so people rely on wells, streams, and hand pumps. These sources are often contaminated, increasing the risk of diseases.
• Slum areas – In crowded settlements, access to clean water is very limited. People often share water sources, making contamination a big problem.

The Cost of Safe Drinking Water in Liberia

For many people in Liberia, accessing safe drinking water is not just about availability – it’s also about affordability. While tap water should ideally be the cheapest option, its safety concerns often force people to spend extra money on alternatives.

Here’s a look at the cost challenges:

• Bottled and sachet water – Many urban residents buy bottled or sachet water to ensure safety. A small sachet of water is affordable for daily use, but buying bottled water regularly can be expensive, especially for low-income families.
• Water treatment methods – Boiling water requires fuel, whether it’s charcoal, gas, or electricity. Filtering systems can be costly upfront, even if they save money in the long run. Chlorine tablets and other chemical treatments are an extra expense.
• Fetching water from safer sources – In some rural areas, people walk long distances to fetch water from cleaner wells or boreholes. The time and effort spent collecting water could be used for work or school.
• Water delivery services – In some communities, especially where there’s no piped water, private vendors sell water from tankers or wells. This can be costly and doesn’t always guarantee better quality.

The Role of Government and Organizations in Improving Tap Water Safety

Ensuring safe tap water in Liberia is not only the responsibility of individuals – it requires action from the government, local authorities, and organizations working in the water sector.

Here’s how different groups are involved:

• Government efforts – The Liberian government, through agencies like the Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC), is responsible for providing clean tap water. However, challenges like outdated infrastructure, inconsistent funding, and limited resources slow down progress.
• International aid and NGOs – Organizations like UNICEF, the World Bank, and Aqua Maya focus on improving access to clean water, especially in rural communities. These groups help build wells, install filtration systems, and promote hygiene education.
• Community-driven initiatives – Some local communities take matters into their own hands by maintaining wells, organizing clean-up efforts, or advocating for better water services.
• Public-private partnerships – In some cases, private companies and investors partner with the government to improve water infrastructure. This can speed up progress, but also raises concerns about affordability.

While these efforts help, much more still needs to be done to make tap water in Liberia safe for everyone. Investment in water infrastructure, stronger policies, and better public awareness are key to long-term change.

Conclusion

Access to safe drinking water remains a significant challenge in Liberia. Despite being one of the world’s wettest countries with abundant water resources, close to 90% of its population has limited access to safe drinking water. This disparity reveals the need for substantial improvements in water infrastructure and services.

The health risks associated with consuming untreated or contaminated water are severe, including waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and dysentery. These illnesses disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, particularly children, contributing to high rates of diarrheal diseases and childhood malnutrition.

Efforts to address these challenges are underway. The Liberian government, in collaboration with international organizations like UNICEF and WaterAid, is working to improve access to clean water and sanitation services. Aqua Maya, also, has flung into action to help ease the safe drinking water challenge in the country. Initiatives such as the USAID funded “Improved Access to Safe Drinking Water in Liberia” activity aim to strengthen local water service providers and expand equitable and sustainable water services.

However, achieving significant progress requires continued investment in water infrastructure, enforcement of water quality regulations, and public education on safe water practices. By addressing these issues collectively, Liberia can move towards ensuring that safe tap water is accessible to all its citizens, thereby improving public health and quality of life.

Sources

1. https://www.unicef.org/liberia/water-sanitation-and-hygiene

2. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/361772564

Let’s take a closer look.

Why Bottled Water is Popular in Ghana

Bottled water is widely used in Ghana for a few main reasons:

1. Concerns About Tap and Well Water – Many areas in Ghana struggle with clean water access. Tap water is not always available or safe to drink, and well water can be contaminated. Because of this, people turn to bottled water as a more reliable option.
2. Convenience – Bottled water is easy to find and carry around. Whether at home, work, or on the go, people prefer the ease of grabbing a bottle rather than boiling or filtering water.
3. Perceived Safety – There is a belief that bottled water is always cleaner and healthier than other water sources. Since it comes in a sealed bottle, many people assume it has gone through strict safety checks.

How Bottled Water is Regulated in Ghana

To ensure bottled water is safe for drinking, there are rules in place. The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and the Ghana Standards Authority are responsible for checking the quality of bottled water.

Here’s how regulation works:

• Approval Process – Companies must get approval before selling bottled water. This includes testing the water for harmful substances.
• Regular Inspections – Officials inspect water production sites to make sure they meet safety standards.
• Product Labeling – Bottled water must have proper labels showing important details, like production and expiration dates.

However, despite these regulations, some bottled water brands still fail to meet safety standards due to weak enforcement or illegal production.

Is Bottled Water Always Safe?

While bottled water is meant to be safe, there are times when it can still be unsafe to drink. Some risks include:

• Fake and Unregulated Brands – Some companies produce bottled water without proper approval, selling unsafe products to the public.
• Contamination During Storage – If bottled water is stored in hot places (like under the sun for long hours), harmful chemicals from the plastic bottle can leak into the water.
• Expired and Tampered Bottles – Expired bottled water can develop bacteria, and some bottles may be refilled with untreated water and resold.

For these reasons, bottled water is not always the safest option. It’s important to check labels, buy from trusted brands, and store bottles properly.

Alternatives to Bottled Water in Ghana

While bottled water is widely used, there are other safe drinking water options in Ghana, including:

1. Sachet Water (“Pure Water”) – Small plastic sachets of purified water are affordable and widely available. However, not all brands meet safety standards, so it’s important to choose trusted ones.
2. Filtered Tap Water – In areas where tap water is available, using water filters can help remove dirt and bacteria, making it safer to drink.
3. Boiled Water – Boiling water before drinking is a simple and effective way to kill harmful bacteria and viruses.
4. Community Water Stations – Some areas have public water stations where treated water is sold at a lower price than bottled water.

The Cost of Bottled Water vs. Other Options

Bottled water is much more expensive than other drinking water sources in Ghana. Here’s how it compares:

• Bottled Water – A small bottle can cost between GH₵2 to GH₵5, while a large one can be over GH₵10.
• Sachet Water – A whole bag of sachet water (30-50 sachets) costs between GH₵8 to GH₵15, making it a cheaper option.
• Filtered Water – Buying a water filter may cost more at first, but in the long run, it’s much cheaper than buying bottled water every day.
• Boiled Water – This is the least expensive option, especially for households with access to tap or borehole water.

For many families, the high cost of bottled water makes it difficult to rely on as a main source of drinking water.

Environmental Impact of Bottled Water in Ghana

Bottled water is convenient, but it also creates serious environmental problems:

1. Plastic Waste – Used plastic bottles often end up in streets, gutters, and water bodies, causing pollution. Ghana struggles with plastic waste management and most plastic bottles are not properly recycled.
2. Clogged Drains and Flooding – When plastic waste blocks drainage systems, it increases the risk of floods, especially in cities like Accra.
3. Harm to Marine Life – When plastic bottles end up in rivers and the ocean, they harm fish and other aquatic animals.
4. High Carbon Footprint – Producing and transporting bottled water uses a lot of energy and contributes to climate change.

Because of these issues, finding sustainable water options is important for Ghana’s future.

How to Make Safer Choices When Buying Bottled Water

If you choose to drink bottled water, here are some ways to ensure it is safe:

1. Check the Label – Make sure the water is registered with the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA). Look for an expiration date and batch number.
2. Buy from Trusted Brands – Stick to well-known and approved bottled water brands. Avoid buying water from unknown roadside vendors.
3. Inspect the Bottle – Ensure the seal is not broken and the water inside is clear. Avoid bottles with floating particles or a bad smell.
4. Store Properly – Keep bottled water in a cool place, away from direct sunlight, to prevent chemicals from leaking into the water.

Government Regulations on Bottled Water in Ghana

The Ghanaian government has put in place several regulations to ensure bottled water is safe for consumption. These regulations help protect consumers from harmful or low-quality products.

1. Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) Standards – The FDA is responsible for monitoring and approving bottled water brands in Ghana. Companies must meet hygiene and safety standards before selling their products.
2. Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) Certification – The GSA sets quality standards for bottled water to ensure it is free from harmful bacteria and chemicals.
3. Regular Inspections – Government agencies conduct periodic checks on water production facilities to confirm they meet safety requirements.
4. Labeling Requirements – Bottled water brands must provide clear labels with production dates, expiration dates, and batch numbers.
5. Enforcement of Quality Control – Companies that fail to meet safety standards can face fines, warnings, or even closure.

While these regulations exist, enforcement remains a challenge. Some unregistered brands still manage to sell unsafe bottled water, so consumers must be cautious when making purchases.

Potential Risks of Bottled Water Consumption

While bottled water is often considered a safer option, it is not without risks. Some concerns include:

1. Fake and Unregulated Brands – Some bottled water brands in Ghana operate without proper approval. These products may not meet safety standards, putting consumers at risk.
2. Plastic Contamination – Long exposure to heat can cause chemicals from plastic bottles to leach into the water, which may have health effects over time.
3. Storage and Handling Issues –  Poor storage conditions, such as keeping bottles under direct sunlight, can reduce water quality.
4. Environmental Impact – The rise in bottled water use has led to plastic waste problems as many bottles end up littering streets, rivers, and other water sources.

Comparing Bottled Water with Other Water Sources

To decide if bottled water is always the safer choice, it’s important to compare it with other sources of drinking water in Ghana:

1. Tap Water – In urban areas, tap water is treated, but aging pipes and inconsistent supply can lead to contamination. In rural areas, access to safe tap water is limited.
2. Sachet Water – Popular and affordable, sachet water is regulated but can sometimes be contaminated due to improper handling or storage.
3. Well and Borehole Water – In some communities, wells and boreholes provide clean water, but poor maintenance or pollution from mining and waste can make them unsafe.
4. Filtered or Boiled Water – Households that filter or boil water reduce contamination risks, making it a reliable alternative.

Each water source has its pros and cons, so the best choice depends on quality assurance, handling, and proper regulation.

Conclusion

Bottled water is often seen as the safest drinking option in Ghana, but this is not always the case. While many brands meet safety standards, others operate without proper regulation, putting consumers at risk. Additionally, storage and environmental issues raise concerns about its long-term impact.

Tap water, sachet water, and borehole sources each have their own challenges, from inconsistent treatment to contamination risks. The key to safer drinking water lies not just in choosing bottled water, but in ensuring proper regulation, improved water treatment, and better storage practices.

For Ghanaians, the best approach is to stay informed about water quality, check for regulatory approvals on bottled and sachet water, and consider alternatives like filtered or boiled water when necessary.

Providing access to clean drinking water is Aqua Maya‘s goal for underserved communities in West Africa and the organization has been working tooth and nail to make it happen in Ghana. Access to clean water has to be a shared responsibility, requiring combined efforts of government action, NGOs, and public awareness to ensure safer choices for everyone.

Sources

1. https://www.unicef.org/ghana/water

2. https://www.oxfam.org/en/water-sanitation-and-hygiene-education-eastern-ghana

3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3842094