Consumers in Pakistan are being strongly advised to avoid nearly two dozen bottled water brands deemed unsafe for drinking.
In its latest quarterly report, the Pakistan Council for Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) warned that 23 bottled water brands currently available in the market are unfit for human consumption. The council emphasized the urgent need for stricter regulatory enforcement and increased public awareness to prevent health hazards linked to contaminated drinking water.
According to the report, PCRWR tested 203 samples collected from 21 major cities, following Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) protocols. The results revealed chemical and bacterial contamination in several well-known brands.
Chemical Contaminants Identified:
- High Sodium Content: Detected in 11 brands, which can be dangerous for people with hypertension or heart conditions. Affected brands include New Mehran, Aqua 111, Nice Pure Max, Pure Drinking Water, Logic, Himalya Cool, Natural Pure Life, Natural, Forever Bottled Drinking Water, Drinkly Pure Drinking Water, and Qudrat Water.
- Arsenic Presence: Four brands — Atco Drinking Water, Aqua Nest, Pani, and New Mountain — were found to have arsenic levels far beyond safe limits. Arsenic exposure is linked to cancer and skin disorders.
- Potassium Excess: The brand Vey Forever contained potassium above the recommended level.
Bacterial Contamination:
Nine brands were found to contain bacteria, posing a serious risk of waterborne infections. These include Noble Pure Drinking Water, Aqua 111, Clear, Wah Water, Nice Pure Max, Aqua King, Maa Jee, Freshin, and Iceland.
Authorities urge consumers to remain vigilant and choose only verified safe drinking water brands.
Read more: Pakistan’s Usable Water Reserves Witness Significant Decline
