Islamabad, May 7, 2024 – Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) has identified 19 bottled water brands as unsafe for consumption, following findings of microbiological and chemical contamination in their products.
The results have raised concerns over the safety standards in the bottled water industry across the country.
The PCRWR, a pivotal body responsible for ensuring water quality, conducted a comprehensive analysis by collecting 185 samples from 21 cities during the first quarter of 2024. The findings, released in a detailed report on Tuesday, have prompted immediate public health warnings and a call for higher compliance with safety standards among bottled water producers.
According to the report, the unsafe brands exhibit various contamination issues. Six brands, including Hensley Pure Water, Pure Life, Natural Pure Life, Klear, Am Mughal Pure Water, and Nero, were flagged for having elevated levels of sodium, surpassing the safety limits prescribed for consumable water. Furthermore, Nero also exhibited excessive Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), which exceeded permissible levels, posing a significant health risk to consumers.
Additionally, the PCRWR report highlighted arsenic contamination in three brands: Cleana, Orwell, and Still. Arsenic, a potent carcinogen, can lead to severe health issues including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological problems when consumed at high levels over an extended period.
The microbiological safety of bottled water also came under scrutiny as 13 brands, including Starlay, Al-Faris Water, Nestlo Healthy Water, Nesspure, Pure Life, Natural Pure Life, Nesspak, Geo Max Premium, Cleana, Splash, Karakorum, Heavenly, and 7 Bro, were found to be contaminated with harmful bacteria, rendering them unfit for drinking.
The PCRWR conducts these evaluations quarterly, under government directives, to monitor and ensure the safety of bottled water available in the market. This continuous surveillance aims to safeguard public health by enforcing strict compliance with national and international water safety standards.
The council has urged the general public to consult the detailed report available on its website to verify the quality of bottled water brands they regularly consume. This proactive measure is part of a broader effort to educate consumers about potential health risks associated with contaminated water and to encourage manufacturers to adhere to stringent safety protocols.
The revelation of such widespread contamination has sparked a call for immediate action from regulatory bodies to tighten oversight and enforce stricter penalties for non-compliance, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of consumers across Pakistan.
