Water quality assessment of vending machine in Larut, Matang and Selama (LMS) district, Perak

Water vending machines are popularly used in public areas especially in city area. 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 assess the performance and quality of water vending machines (WVMs) in LMS district, Perak whether adhere to the standard or not. 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). Overall, this study concludes that each installed WVM shall be maintained regularly according to set schedule in ensuring that drinking water is always safe to be consumed and crucial to avoid growth of harmful pathogens.