The government of Pakistan has directed the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) for quarterly monitoring of bottled/mineral water brands and publicize the results of the findings for awareness of public health. During the 3rd quarter of year 2023 (July to September), 197 samples of mineral/bottled water brands were collected from 20 cities. Comparison of test results with the bottled water quality standards of Pakistan Standards & Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) has revealed that 25 brands were unsafe for human consumption due to microbiological or chemical contamination.

Nineteen brands (Qudrat Water, Natural, Premium Safa Purified Water, Z Pure Drinking Water, Best Natural, Klear, Sona Water Life Pure Drinking Water, Pure and Healthy Alkaline Water, Aqua 100, Elstein, Aab-e-Haram, Khizer Pure Water, Fine, Barsay, Aab-e-Muskan, Aab-e-Hayat, Indus, Oslo, Fresh smart pure water) were found to be unsafe due to presence of higher levels of sodium, three brands (Khizer pure water, Fine, Indus) were found unsafe due to presence of high level of TDS than the permissible limit, while, one brand (Imperial) was found unsafe due to presence of high level of Potassium than the permissible limit, Eight brands (Ice Well, Clear, Best Natural, Imperial, Aab-e-Hayat, Pure Life, Aqua Gold, Spring Pure Water) were found contaminated with bacteria and thus were unsafe for drinking purpose. General public is encouraged to look at the detailed report to know about the status of water quality of bottled water brands they consume. The detailed report is available on PCRWR website www.pcrwr.gov.pk.

 
Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)