New Research Raises Alarm Over Dangerous Substances in Packaged Water Sold in Lagos

• A new study finds dangerous chemicals, pharmaceutical waste, and bacterial contamination in drinking water—including packaged water—across Osun, Oyo, and Lagos, posing serious risks to infants and toddlers.

A fresh study by Dr. Otitoju Beulah, a researcher at Redeemer’s University and a member of the African Centre of Excellence for Water and Environmental Research, has revealed alarming levels of chemical and bacterial pollution in drinking water consumed by millions of Nigerians.

The research, based on samples collected from major and minor waterbodies in Osun, Oyo and Lagos States, found high concentrations of industrial pollutants and pharmaceutical residues in both surface and groundwater sources. According to Dr. Beulah, these contamination levels peak during the rainy season, spreading across rivers, streams, wells, boreholes, tap water and even packaged water.

Her findings highlight that infants and toddlers are the most vulnerable, facing significantly higher non-carcinogenic risks due to their smaller body size and higher water intake. Adults also face health risks, but at comparatively lower vulnerability levels.

“My recent study, published in international journals, shed light on pollutants that most people have never heard of but may be consuming daily,” she said, noting the presence of dihydroxybenzenes—such as catechol and hydroquinone—commonly associated with industrial waste and pharmaceutical disposal.

Dr. Beulah added that these chemicals threaten not only human health but also aquatic life, disrupting ecosystems that support food sources and local livelihoods.

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Beyond chemical hazards, the study also linked Nigeria’s poor waste management system to severe bacterial contamination. She blamed rapid urbanisation, weak regulation and low public awareness for the continued pollution of water sources used for drinking and cooking.

To protect households, the researcher recommended affordable, community-friendly water treatment methods, such as agricultural-waste filters, modified sand filters and solar disinfection units. Early tests, she noted, have shown promising results with lower contamination levels and increased adoption of safe water practices.

However, she stressed that Nigeria urgently needs clearer guidelines on emerging contaminants like catechol and stronger enforcement of industrial discharge regulations. Fragmented monitoring and weak reporting systems, she said, continue to undermine national water safety efforts.

“Safe water cannot wait,” Dr. Beulah warned. “While governments work on long-term solutions, communities must be given tools to protect themselves now. Access to clean water is not just a development goal—it is a matter of survival.”