Assessment of Drinking Water Quality and Environmental Conditions of Vending Machine in Larut, Matang and Selama (LMS), Taiping, Perak, Malaysia

Abstract

Water vending machines are widely used in public areas particularly in urban regions. Assessment of physico-chemical and microbiological parameters that can alter the quality of drinking water is essential for the prevention of waterborne diseases outbreak in the future. The aim of this study was to determine the performance and water quality of vending machines (WVMs) in the LMS district of Perak. In this study, out of 15 WVMs, only 2 machines were grading as satisfactory level based on observation survey. Analysis of physico-chemical parameter indicated all the water samples tested were found complied for pH value (6.40-7.40), while not complied for turbidity (0.22-1.47 NTU). There was only one WVM that incompliance for residual chlorine with 0.11 mg/L to the Food Regulations 1985 (25th Schedule). There were 5 vending machines detected total coliform (1.0-56.8MPN/100 mL) and none of E.coli detected for microbiological analysis. There was correlation found between the total coliform and pattern maintenance (r= -0.718; n= 15; p= 0.003). In overall, this study shows that each installed WVM must be maintained on a regular basis in order to ensure that drinking water is always safe for drinking purposes and to prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms.