23 bottled water brands declared unsafe for human consumption in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) has declared 23 bottled water brands unsafe for human consumption due to microbiological or chemical contamination.

For the 2nd quarter of 2024 (April to June), 209 samples of mineral/bottled water brands were collected from 21 cities, of which 23 brands were found unsafe for human consumption, according to a press release issued on Monday.

Four brands (Aqua Qismat, Vivo Water, Ruyaal Silver, Smart) were found to be unsafe due to the presence of higher levels of sodium, three brands (Still, Starlite Water, Premium Safa Purified Water) were found unsafe due to the presence of high level of Arsenic than the permissible limit, while, one brand (Smart Pure Life) was found to be unsafe due to presence of higher levels of Potassium.

Fifteen brands (Fijji, Asha Premium Drinking Water, Water Plus Premium Drinking Water, Neo Health Drinking Water, Cliff Water Healthy Drinking Water, Dream Pure, Samar Indus Drinking Water, Splash Water, Crystal Pure Life, Buxton, Kohinoor, BRO H2O, Oriel, Parwaz Water, Masafi) were found contaminated with bacteria and thus were unsafe for drinking purpose.

The general public is encouraged to look at the detailed report to know about the status of the water quality of bottled water brands they consume.

PCRWR regularly checks and monitors bottled/mineral water brands and publicizes the results for awareness of public health on a quarterly basis.