The Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) has declared 23 bottled water brands unsafe for human consumption following an extensive sampling from 21 cities. The findings revealed microbiological and chemical contamination in several brands.
Fifteen brands—Fijji, Asha Premium, Water Plus, Premium, Neo Health, Cliff Water Healthy Drinking Water, Dream Pure, Samar Indus, Splash Water, Crystal Pure Life, Buxton, Kohinoor, BRO H2O, Oriel, Parwaz Water, and Masafi—were found to be contaminated with bacteria.
Four brands—Aqua Qismat, Vivo Water, Ruyaal Silver, and Smart—were deemed unsafe due to elevated levels of sodium. Three brands—Still, Starlite Water, and Premium Safa Purified—contained arsenic levels higher than the permissible limit. Additionally, Smart Pure Life was found to have unsafe levels of potassium.
PCRWR said that 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.