EPA Shuts Down Non-Compliant Sachet Water Facilities Nationwide
By Laymah Kollie
January 23, 2026
Monrovia: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia has begun the nationwide closure of sachet water production facilities that are operating in violation of environmental and public health standards, as part of intensified enforcement efforts to protect consumers.
The enforcement exercise, which started on January 20, 2026, targets sachet water producers that lack valid operating permits or operate under unsafe and unsanitary conditions that pose risks to public health. Several facilities in Monrovia have already been shut down, with inspections and closures expected to continue across the country.
According to the EPA, the action is grounded in Section 35.1(a)(i) of the Environmental Protection and Management Law (EPML), which mandates the Agency to establish water quality criteria and set minimum standards for drinking water and other uses. The law empowers the EPA to ensure that water sources, production environments, and processing practices do not endanger the population.
EPA inspections revealed that many sachet water facilities failed to meet basic requirements, including proper sanitation, acceptable structural conditions, and environmental safety measures. Some production sites were reportedly located close to waste disposal areas and septic tanks, while others lacked adequate hygiene and facility standards.
“Drinking water quality depends on a clean environment,” the EPA stated, noting that water produced in facilities that do not meet environmental standards cannot be considered safe for public consumption.
In an effort to support small-scale, Liberian-owned businesses, the EPA previously worked with stakeholders to develop Guidelines for the Operation and Monitoring of Drinking Water Production. These guidelines allow water producers to achieve compliance without undergoing a full Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), while still ensuring safety and quality.
Under the guidelines, all sachet and mineral water producers are required to register with the EPA, obtain valid operating permits, submit periodic water quality test results from EPA-accredited laboratories, maintain acceptable facility standards, and ensure safe distances between water sources and potential contamination risks.
The EPA said the current crackdown focuses on facilities that have failed to meet one or more of these requirements. The Agency warned that more facilities face closure if they do not regularize their operations and comply with established standards.
While reaffirming its commitment to providing technical guidance and support to water producers, the EPA emphasized that it will not compromise on standards designed to protect public health and environmental safety.
The Agency also advised members of the public to look for valid EPA certificates when purchasing drinking water, as part of efforts to ensure consumer safety.
The Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia is the principal authority responsible for coordinating, monitoring, and supervising environmental management activities in the country in line with national laws and international best practices
