Rising Sachet Water Prices Drive Return of Iced Water in Nigeria

In Nigeria, the escalating cost of sachet water has prompted a resurgence of iced water as an affordable alternative for many.

The price of a bag of sachet water has risen from N50 to N500 in some areas, leaving people searching for cheaper options to meet their daily hydration needs.

Beverage hawkers have been hit hard by the declining sales of sachet and bottled water, prompting them to innovate by selling iced water, which is prepared by boiling borehole water and cooling it before tying it in transparent nylons and refrigerating or adding ice blocks.

This return to iced water, reminiscent of the 90s, has garnered significant patronage due to its affordability.

While the return of iced water is a creative solution to the high cost of sachet water, there are concerns about the potential health risks associated with consuming water from untreated sources.

Microbiologist Folawe Afolayan warns that the consumption of unclean water could lead to an increase in waterborne diseases such as diarrhea.

The World Health Organization’s 2022 State of the world’s drinking water report emphasizes the importance of safe drinking water and the need to invest in clean water to save lives and prevent the spread of waterborne diseases.

Climate change, urbanization, and population growth all pose challenges to the provision of safe drinking water, making it even more crucial to address these issues.

The rising cost of water in Nigeria has led to the return of iced water as a more affordable option for many.

However, it is essential to ensure that the water consumed is safe and clean to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases.

The government and other stakeholders must work together to make clean water accessible and affordable to the masses, ultimately saving lives and reducing the burden on healthcare systems.