From financial burdens and time lost, to the impact on health and the environment, water access is layered with challenges that go unnoticed. These hidden costs often weigh heaviest on the most vulnerable, showing us that the water crisis isn’t just about getting water – it’s about what people sacrifice to do so.  

The Financial Cost of Water Access  

Clean water isn’t always free, especially for those living in low-income or underserved communities. Many people rely on water vendors or private suppliers who often charge high prices that strain household budgets. Families in urban slums, for instance, may pay several times more per liter than residents in affluent neighborhoods with piped water.  

Installing and maintaining water systems, such as boreholes or wells, is another costly challenge for communities. Without external funding or government support, these expenses can be insurmountable, leaving families with no choice but to rely on unsafe or inconsistent water sources.  

For many households, these financial pressures mean sacrificing other essentials like food, education, or healthcare. This creates a cycle of poverty where the cost of water perpetuates inequality.  

The Time Burden  

Time is another hidden cost of water access. In areas without nearby sources, people – especially women and children – spend hours each day walking long distances to fetch water. In some cases, they wait in long queues at overcrowded public taps or wells, losing valuable time they could spend on education, work, or rest.  

For children, this time burden often means missing school or learning a skill, leaving them with fewer opportunities for the future. For women, it limits their ability to earn an income or care for their families. These unseen sacrifices underscore how water access challenges can ripple through every aspect of life, keeping entire communities from reaching their full potential.  

Health Implications of Unsafe Water  

When access to clean water is limited, many families resort to using unsafe sources, leading to a host of health problems. Contaminated water carries diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and diarrhea, which are particularly dangerous for children and vulnerable groups.  

The medical costs of treating these illnesses are a heavy burden for families already struggling financially. Even when treatment is available, the time lost to sickness further reduces productivity and income.  

Beyond physical illness, the lack of safe water for hygiene can lead to infections and complications, especially for women during childbirth. The hidden health costs of water access aren’t just about diseases – they’re about the long-term toll on well-being and quality of life.  

Social Inequality in Water Access 

Water access often mirrors existing social inequalities, with marginalized groups facing the greatest challenges. In many places, low-income households, rural communities, and women bear the brunt of water scarcity. While wealthier neighborhoods enjoy piped water systems, poorer areas often rely on unsafe or unreliable sources.  

In rural areas, the lack of infrastructure leaves families traveling long distances for water. Meanwhile, in urban slums, overcrowded conditions and high vendor prices make access difficult. Gender inequality adds another layer, as women and girls are typically responsible for fetching water, limiting their opportunities for education and employment.  

These disparities highlight the need for equitable solutions that prioritize the needs of vulnerable groups, ensuring that no one is left behind in the quest for clean water.  

Environmental Costs of Water Scarcity

Water scarcity doesn’t just affect people; it takes a toll on the environment too. Overuse of natural water sources, such as rivers, lakes, and aquifers, can lead to depletion, disrupting ecosystems and harming biodiversity. For example, excessive groundwater extraction lowers water tables, making it even harder for future generations to access water.  

Additionally, communities that rely on unregulated water sources often face environmental damage. Polluted rivers and lakes not only harm aquatic life but also make these sources unusable, pushing people to seek alternatives that may be unsustainable.  

Addressing these environmental costs requires a balance between human needs and ecosystem preservation, emphasizing sustainable practices that protect water sources for the future.  

The Role of Policy and Governance 

Poor governance is one of the most significant hidden costs of water access. Corruption, mismanagement, and weak policies often prevent water from reaching those who need it most. Even when resources are available, inefficiencies in planning and distribution can leave communities without reliable access.  

Transparent and inclusive policies are critical for addressing these issues. Governments must involve local communities in water management decisions, ensuring that solutions are practical and sustainable. For example, decentralizing water systems and empowering local committees to oversee operations can reduce corruption and improve efficiency.  

Effective governance isn’t just about building infrastructure; it’s about creating systems that work for everyone, especially the most vulnerable.  

Innovative Solutions to Reduce Costs 

Communities and organizations around the world are finding creative ways to address the hidden costs of water access. Low-cost technologies, such as solar-powered pumps, gravity-fed water systems, and portable filtration devices, are making clean water more affordable and accessible.  

Some communities have introduced a rainwater harvesting system that provides water year-round. By using locally available materials and involving residents in the construction process, they reduced costs while ensuring that the system met their needs.  

Education and training also play a crucial role. Teaching communities how to maintain water systems and practice conservation helps reduce long-term expenses and ensures sustainability. These solutions show that even with limited resources, it’s possible to overcome the barriers to clean water access.  

Spotlight on Advocacy and Support Organizations 

Organizations and advocacy groups are playing a vital role in addressing the hidden costs of water access. By working directly with communities, these groups provide resources, technical support, and funding to overcome barriers that go beyond distance.  

For example, Aqua Maya focuses on delivering clean water to underserved communities in West Africa. They partner with local leaders to develop sustainable systems that consider financial, social, and environmental factors. These communities are also taught how to maintain water systems and conserve resources.  

These organizations don’t just provide water – they empower communities to create lasting change. Their efforts highlight the importance of collaboration and support in tackling water challenges that are often overlooked.  

Economic Opportunities Through Improved Water Access 

Clean water doesn’t just quench thirst – it drives economic growth, proving that access is a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty.

When communities have reliable access to clean water, it unlocks economic opportunities that were previously out of reach. Farmers can irrigate their crops, leading to higher yields and more income. Small businesses, such as food vendors and laundries, can thrive with a consistent water supply.  

Mental and Emotional Toll of Water Scarcity  

Beyond physical and financial burdens, water scarcity takes a heavy emotional toll on families. The constant worry about finding enough water for daily needs can lead to stress, anxiety, and feelings of helplessness.  

Parents often struggle with the guilt of sending children to fetch water instead of attending school, while women may face exhaustion from balancing water collection with other responsibilities. These mental and emotional impacts are less visible but just as damaging as the physical hardships.  

Strengthening Community Resilience  

Communities that develop their own water access solutions become more resilient in the face of challenges like droughts, population growth, or economic downturns. By organizing local committees, creating maintenance funds, and sharing knowledge, these communities build systems that can adapt and endure.  

For example, in Malawi, recurring droughts keep ravaging its communities, but the country is promoting indigenous water harvesting systems to sustain communities through the harsh dry spells. Since 2021, the Rainwater Harvesting Association of Malawi (RHAM) has installed over 200 rainwater harvesting systems across the country, with a design referred to as a ‘calabash’. These systems collect and store rainwater during the rainy season, ensuring a steady supply for agriculture and domestic use year-round.

This resilience reduced their dependence on unpredictable external sources and gave them greater control over their water future.  

This shows the importance of empowering communities with the tools and knowledge to manage water sustainably. It is key to long-term success.  

Conclusion  

Water access is far more complex than the distance to a well or tap – it is shaped by financial, social, and environmental factors that often go unnoticed. These hidden costs weigh heavily on the most vulnerable, limiting opportunities and perpetuating inequalities.  

However, through innovation, collaboration, and advocacy, these barriers can be overcome. Organizations like Aqua Maya and the efforts of local communities show us that real change begins when we address the deeper challenges of water access.  

Clean water is more than a necessity; it is a right that transforms lives, builds resilience, and fosters equality. By recognizing and addressing the hidden costs of water, we take a step closer to a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Sources 

1. https://www.unesco.org/reports/wwdr/2021/en/valuing-water-supply-sanitation-services

2. https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/unicef-collecting-water-often-colossal-waste-time-women-and-girls

3. https://www.worldbank.org/en/data/interactive/2024/03/13/gendered-burden-of-water-collection-in-afe-afw-sub-saharan-africa

4. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/drinking-water

5. https://www.unwater.org/sites/default/files/app/uploads/2018/08/UN-Water_Policy_Brief_Anti-Discrimination_.pdf

6. https://www.fao.org/land-water/water/watergovernance/en/

However, the widespread reliance on sachet water raises some serious concerns. While it is convenient, the safety of this water is often questionable. In many cases, sachet water has been found to contain harmful bacteria and other contaminants that can pose health risks. Still, despite these risks, Nigerians continue to choose sachet water, primarily because it is cheap and readily available.

This article looks at why convenience seems to win over safety for many Nigerians when it comes to sachet water. It also explores the health risks involved and what needs to change to ensure that everyone has access to clean, safe drinking water.

The Rise of Sachet Water in Nigeria

Sachet water has become a symbol of everyday life in Nigeria, especially in urban centers where the demand for safe drinking water is high, but access to clean, treated water is inconsistent. The story of sachet water, often called “pure water,” is tied to a broader issue – the challenge of providing reliable water to a rapidly growing population.

History and Evolution

The emergence of sachet water in Nigeria can be traced back to the late 1990s and early 2000s when the country began experiencing rapid urbanization. As more people moved into cities, the pressure on existing water infrastructure grew. Many urban areas struggled to meet the growing demand for potable water. This gap gave rise to the sachet water industry, which was initially seen as a quick fix for the water crisis.

What started as a small, local solution soon became a booming business. Small-scale producers began packaging water in heat-sealed plastic sachets, selling it at very low prices to cater to a population in need of affordable drinking water. Today, sachet water has become one of the most consumed products in Nigeria, especially in areas where piped or bottled water is either unavailable or too expensive.

Current Consumption Patterns

It is hard to walk down a street in most Nigerian cities without seeing someone drinking sachet water. Whether it’s at bus stops, markets, or during daily commutes, sachet water is a constant presence. According to estimates, over 60 million sachets are consumed every day across the country. It’s the go-to option for many Nigerians because it’s cheap, portable, and easily accessible.

Rural areas, too, have seen an increase in sachet water consumption. Although many villages have access to natural water sources like rivers or streams, these sources are not always safe for drinking due to contamination. For those living in these communities, sachet water is often seen as a safer alternative, even if it comes at a cost.

Affordability vs. Alternatives

One of the main reasons sachet water has grown in popularity is its affordability. In a country where many people live on low incomes, sachet water provides an option that almost everyone can afford. For as little as ₦20, anyone can purchase a sachet, making it the cheapest form of drinking water available to most Nigerians. Sachet water goes for ₦50 now due to the present inflation, but it still remains the cheapest form of drinking water available.

When compared to bottled water or treated tap water, the price difference is obvious. Bottled water, for example, can cost up to ten times more than sachet water. This makes it an unattainable luxury for many people. Even treated tap water, where available, requires an initial investment in filtration or purification systems that many households cannot afford. Sachet water, on the other hand, offers a low-cost alternative that doesn’t require any upfront costs, making it a popular choice.

However, the affordability of sachet water comes at a price. While it may be cheaper in the short term, the long-term costs – both in terms of health and environmental impact – are much higher. Still, for many Nigerians, the immediate need for cheap, accessible water outweighs concerns about its safety or the damage it might cause down the line.

Health and Environmental Concerns  

While sachet water has become a convenient solution for many Nigerians, it comes with significant health and environmental risks. The widespread use of sachet water raises questions about how safe it really is and what impact it has on our surroundings.

Contamination Risks

Many Nigerians believe sachet water is safe to drink, but several studies have shown that this is not always the case. The quality of sachet water can vary widely depending on where and how it is produced. Some producers adhere to strict hygiene and safety standards, while others cut corners, leading to water that contains harmful bacteria and other contaminants.

Waterborne diseases like cholera, typhoid, and diarrhea remain major health issues in Nigeria, and unsafe water is a leading cause. Even though sachet water is often marketed as “pure,” lab tests have shown that some sachets contain bacteria such as E. coli, which can cause serious illness. This contamination usually happens during the packaging process, when untreated water is used or when poor hygiene practices are followed by small-scale producers.

The problem is compounded by the fact that many people are unaware of these risks. Because sachet water is so widely available and affordable, people often assume it is safe to drink without question. But in reality, this low-cost option can lead to high health costs in the long run.

Plastic Waste Crisis

Beyond the health risks, sachet water also contributes to Nigeria’s growing plastic waste problem. The millions of sachets consumed daily across the country generate an enormous amount of single-use plastic waste.

Most of these sachets are not properly disposed of, ending up in streets, waterways, and drainage systems.

This plastic waste clogs drainage systems, leading to flooding in many cities during the rainy season. It also poses a threat to wildlife and the environment, as the plastic takes hundreds of years to break down. Despite efforts by some organizations to promote recycling, the infrastructure to properly manage this waste is still lacking in many parts of the country.

The plastic waste from sachet water is more than just an eyesore; it represents a long-term environmental hazard that Nigeria must address. While the affordability and convenience of sachet water are clear, the environmental cost is very high.

Regulatory Challenges

Ensuring the safety of sachet water is supposed to be the job of regulatory agencies like the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). However, the magnitude of the sachet water industry and the large number of small-scale producers makes regulation difficult.

While NAFDAC sets standards for water production, many producers operate informally and are not registered with the agency. This makes it hard to enforce regulations, leaving consumers vulnerable to substandard and unsafe products. Additionally, periodic checks on registered producers are not always consistent, allowing some producers to bypass safety standards without consequences.

The combination of weak regulatory enforcement and the growing demand for affordable water means that the sachet water market is often poorly regulated, putting the health of millions at risk.

Convenience as a Driving Factor

Despite the known risks associated with sachet water, many Nigerians continue to choose it because of its convenience. For people living in both cities and rural areas, sachet water is often the easiest and most accessible way to get drinking water.

Accessibility

Sachet water is available everywhere. You can buy it from vendors on the street, at market stalls, or even from small shops in the most remote areas. This ease of access makes sachet water a natural choice for people on the go. Whether you’re commuting to work or running errands, a cold sachet of water is always within reach. In a country where clean drinking water isn’t always readily available, this level of convenience is hard to resist.

In many urban areas, piped water is either unreliable or unavailable. People often have to buy water from private vendors or fetch it from public taps, which can be time-consuming and inconvenient. Sachet water provides a quick and easy solution to these challenges, especially for people with busy lives.

Affordability 

Affordability is another key reason why Nigerians choose sachet water over safer alternatives. For as little as ₦50, you can get a sachet of water, making it an option that fits into the tight budgets of many households. When faced with the choice between expensive bottled water and cheap sachet water, many people opt for the more affordable option, even if it comes with potential risks.

For people living in poverty, this affordability can be the deciding factor. The need for immediate access to water at a low cost often outweighs safety concerns. In this way, sachet water becomes a lifeline for many Nigerians who simply cannot afford to pay for safer alternatives.

Social Norms

Sachet water has also become deeply embedded in Nigerian culture. It’s seen as a normal part of everyday life. From school children to even professionals, everyone drinks sachet water. This cultural acceptance has helped to normalize the use of sachet water, despite its risks.

In many ways, sachet water is more than just a product, it’s a reflection of the broader challenges faced by Nigerians in accessing clean water. When the public water supply is unreliable, people adapt, and sachet water is the solution they turn to. Over time, this adaptation has made sachet water a staple in many homes, with little thought given to its safety or environmental impact.

Safety or Convenience – Why Nigerians Still Choose Sachet Water

The ongoing debate over sachet water in Nigeria boils down to one central question: why do so many Nigerians continue to choose sachet water, knowing it may not always be safe? The answer lies in the delicate balance between immediate convenience and long-term safety. For many Nigerians, the need for affordable, accessible water outweighs the potential health risks.

Economic Realities

For millions of Nigerians, financial constraints play a major role in the decision to rely on sachet water. In a country where many live on a modest daily income, paying for treated or bottled water isn’t a feasible option. Sachet water is significantly cheaper and fits more easily into the budget of medium to low-income households. Although, these days, low-income households can barely eat, let alone buy bags of sachet water. The inflation has eaten deep into the economy, and most low-income households would rather queue up at a communal tap to fetch drinking water and just trust that it’s safe, or resort to boiling it if they can.

The economic situation forces many Nigerians to prioritize what they can afford now, even if it comes with potential health consequences later. People are often left with no choice but to make do with what is immediately available, and sachet water often provides that temporary solution. When you’re focused on surviving day-to-day, safety becomes secondary to simply quenching thirst.

Mistrust in Infrastructure

Another reason for the preference for sachet water is the lack of trust in public water systems. Even in cities where piped water is available, it is often unreliable, either due to supply interruptions or concerns about its quality. Many Nigerians believe that tap water is unsafe for drinking, especially when it appears dirty or smells unusual. This mistrust leads people to seek alternatives, with sachet water being the most affordable and accessible.

In rural areas, access to safe drinking water is even more limited. Rivers and wells are often contaminated, and the infrastructure for providing clean, piped water is virtually non-existent. For many people in these communities, sachet water is seen as a safer option, even if that safety isn’t always guaranteed.

Cultural Perception  

Over time, sachet water has become more than just a practical solution; it’s a part of everyday life in Nigeria. It is so widely consumed that it is considered a norm – “everybody” drinks “pure water.” The convenience sachet water offers, which is being portable, widely available, and affordable, has integrated it into the daily routines of millions of people.

This cultural acceptance has helped to overshadow the health risks associated with sachet water. When something becomes so deeply ingrained in daily life, it’s easy to overlook its downsides. In many cases, people don’t even question the safety of sachet water because it’s simply what they’ve always known and used.

What Needs to Change?  

The sachet water “pandemic” is not just about convenience or affordability; it’s about deeper systemic issues that must be addressed. For real change to happen, Nigeria needs to take both short-term and long-term steps to ensure that safe drinking water is accessible to all.

Public Health Campaigns

One key way to shift public perception is through education. There needs to be more awareness about the risks of drinking contaminated water, even in the form of sachet water. Public health campaigns could help inform people about how to recognize quality water sources and why safety should not be sacrificed for convenience. 

People need to understand that just because water is cheap and easy to find, that doesn’t mean it is safe. Public health organizations and the government must work together to spread this message across the country, especially in low-income areas where sachet water is most prevalent.

Improved Infrastructure 

While raising awareness is important, it will not be enough unless there is also an improvement in Nigeria’s water infrastructure. The root cause of the sachet water problem is the lack of reliable, safe water systems. Government investment in public water infrastructure is essential to provide clean water to both urban and rural areas.

This includes repairing and expanding existing pipelines, building more water treatment plants, and ensuring that rural communities have access to safe water sources. If Nigerians have access to safe, affordable water at home, the need for sachet water will drastically decrease. When people can trust the water that comes from their taps, they won’t have to rely on sachets.

Sustainability Focus

The environmental impact of sachet water is a growing concern. Nigeria needs to adopt sustainable practices that encourage the reduction of plastic waste. Encouraging alternatives like reusable water containers or setting up systems for recycling sachet plastics could make a significant difference in reducing the environmental footprint of sachet water consumption.

Moreover, stricter regulations on sachet water production and distribution are needed to ensure both the quality of the water and the reduction of plastic waste. Government agencies should enforce policies that hold producers accountable for maintaining high standards in water safety while also promoting eco-friendly practices.

Encouraging Affordable Alternatives

Lastly, there is a need to explore and promote affordable alternatives to sachet water. While bottled water is not an option for many due to its high cost, there are other low-cost methods to ensure safe drinking water, such as water filters, purifiers, and community water kiosks. These alternatives can provide safe water at a fraction of the cost of bottled water, while also reducing the environmental impact of plastic sachets.

Organizations and local governments can work to provide these alternatives to communities that are most in need. By making clean, safe water more affordable and accessible, Nigerians will be less dependent on sachet water.

With these changes, Nigerians can look forward to a future where clean, safe drinking water is available to all, and the health and environmental risks of sachet water are minimized. However, it will take a collective effort from individuals, government bodies, and organizations to make this vision a reality.

Conclusion

The sachet water pandemic in Nigeria is a complex issue, driven by a combination of economic realities, convenience, and the lack of adequate water infrastructure. While sachet water offers a short-term solution to the country’s pressing water needs, it comes with long-term health and environmental risks that cannot be ignored. Millions of Nigerians rely on sachet water every day, yet many are unaware of the potential dangers it poses to their health or the strain it places on the environment.

As a nation, Nigeria must move towards a more sustainable and safer approach to drinking water. This means improving the public water supply, holding sachet water producers to higher safety standards, and educating people on the importance of water quality. Public health campaigns, stronger regulations, and better access to alternative water solutions are all crucial steps in this direction. For true progress to happen, the government, private sector, and local communities must work together to ensure that no one has to choose between convenience and safety when it comes to something as basic as drinking water.

Addressing the sachet water crisis is not just about protecting individual health, it’s about safeguarding the well-being of entire communities and future generations. Clean water is a fundamental human right, and everyone deserves access to safe, affordable, and reliable sources of drinking water. By prioritizing long-term solutions over short-term fixes, Nigeria can reduce the incidence of waterborne diseases, improve public health, and reduce the environmental burden caused by plastic waste.

This is where support from organizations like AquaMaya becomes critical. AquaMaya is a US-based nonprofit organization, that is dedicated to bringing clean, sustainable water solutions to communities in West Africa, including Nigeria. Through infrastructure projects and hygiene education, we at AquaMaya are working tirelessly to improve health and reduce the prevalence of waterborne diseases, particularly among children. We are on a mission to deliver clean water access to 10 million people in the region, and we are calling for support from individuals and partners alike to make this vision a reality.

The road to a healthier, more prosperous future starts with clean water. Together, with the efforts of AquaMaya and others, we can make a real difference in the lives of millions of Nigerians – one community, one family, and one child at a time.

Sources:

1. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/345322653_Contamination_issues_in_sachet_and_bottled_water_in_Nigeria_a_mini-review

2. https://climateaction.africa/plastic-waste-nigerias-sachet-water-industry/

3. https://www.offgridnigeria.com/favourite-pure-water-ecological-mess/

4. https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jjm/article/download/138960/128663/0

5. Adamu I, Andrade FCD, Singleton CR. Availability of Drinking Water Source and the Prevalence of Diarrhea among Nigerian Households. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2022 Sep 6;107(4):893-897. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.21-0901. PMID: 36067986; PMCID: PMC9651543. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9651543/ 

6. Mosi L, Adadey SM, Sowah SA, Yeboah C. Microbiological assessment of sachet water “pure water” from five regions in Ghana. AAS Open Res. 2019 Jan 24;1:12. doi: 10.12688/aasopenres.12837.2. PMID: 32259018; PMCID: PMC7117957. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7117957/

7. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780128178805000220

8. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2949750724000294