ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Council for Research in Water Resources on Tuesday declared 19 brands of bottled and mineral water unsafe for human consumption due to microbiological or chemical contamination.

The government has directed PCRWR to quarterly monitor bottled and mineral water brands and publicise the results for awareness of the public.

For January to March, 185 samples of bottled water brands were collected from 21 cities. Comparison of test results with the bottled water quality standards of Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) has revealed that 19 brands were unsafe for human consumption due to microbiological or chemical contamination.

Six brands such as Hensley Pure Water, Pure Life, Natural Pure Life, Klear, Am Mughal Pure Water and Nero were found to be unsafe due to presence of higher levels of sodium, one brand Nero was found unsafe due to presence of high level of totally dissolved solids (TDS) than the permissible limit.

Similarly, Cleana, Orwell and Still were found unsafe due to presence of high level of arsenic than the permissible limit. Moreover, 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 contaminated with bacteria and thus were unsafe for drinking purpose, the PCRWR said in its report.

It cautioned the public to look at the detailed report to know about the status of water quality of bottled water brands they consume. PCRWR said that a detailed report was available on its website www.pcrwr.gov.pk.

Published in Dawn, May 8th, 2024