17 brands of Mineral Water unsafe for human consumption: PCRWR

-Govt directs quarterly monitoring mineral water brands
-Asks PCRWR to publicize the results for awareness of public health

By Adnan Rafique

ISLAMABAD: The Government of Pakistan has directed Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) for quarterly monitoring of bottled/mineral water brands and publicize the results for awareness of public health. For the quarter of year 2022 (July to September), 165 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 17 brands were unsafe for human consumption due to microbial, chemical or both types of contamination.
Nine brands (Andani Premium Drinking Water, Indus, Barsay, Best Natural, Faris, Volvo, Eltsen, Dhoom) were found to be unsafe due to presence of higher levels of sodium, two brands (Pure Handsome Water, Aqua one) were found unsafe due to presence of high level of Potassium than the permissible limit, while, seven brands (Nayab Pure Life, Indus, ECO, NEO, Blue plus, Aqua bello, Freshino) were found microbiologically contaminated 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.