Determinants of drinking water quality and sanitary risk levels of water storage in food establishments of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

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. An observational checklist was used to assess the 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 a 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 the drinking water quality of the food outlets were identified. In addition, 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. HIGHLIGHTS Many factors that affect the drinking water quality of the food establishments were identified.; Significant numbers of food establishment drinking water storages were grouped into high and very high contamination risk levels.; Significant numbers of food outlet drinking water storages were found to be contaminated.