Abstract
The study aimed to assess the determinants of drinking-water quality and sanitary risk levels of water storage. An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted. One hundred and twenty-five drinking-water samples were collected directly from food outlets' drinking-water storages. Observational checklist was used to assess sanitary risk levels of the storages. Data analysis was conducted using multivariable logistic regression. Type of primary source of drinking-water, having continuous piped water, type of drinking-water storage equipment, drinking-water storage having a lid/cover, method of drinking-water drawn from the water storages, presence of any method of drinking-water treatment, and having functional hand-washing facility with soap near the toilet were identified as major determinant factors. This study revealed that nearly 30% of the food outlets' drinking-water was not microbiologically safe. As a result, these establishments could be a source of different health problems for their customers. In the study, many determinant factors that affect drinking-water quality of the food outlets were identified. As well, 16.3% and 18.7% of the food outlet drinking-water storages were grouped into high and very high contamination risk levels, respectively. Therefore, the existing regulatory body should force the food outlets to have effective hand-washing practices, clean, suitable drinking-water storage, and to avoid dipping practice.
The effectiveness of large household water storage tanks for protecting the quality of drinking water
