*The Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources, in a recent study, found that 27 bottled water brands in circulation contained excessive sodium, arsenic, and potassium in some brands, while others were contaminated with bacteria, increasing the risk of diseases, including cancer, kidney and heart ailments, high blood pressure

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

In promoting public health and consumer safety, the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR), in a recent study found that 27 bottled water brands being sold across the country contained hazardous contaminants, posing serious health risks.

绿帽献妻 learnt the findings indicated the presence of excessive sodium, arsenic, and potassium in some brands, while others were found to be bacterially contaminated, increasing the risk of diseases such as cancer, kidney and heart ailments, high blood pressure, and stomach infections like cholera.

The PCRWR had conducted the study as part of its quarterly monitoring, assigned by the country’s Ministry of Science and Technology, Pilot, a local news medium said.

The regulatory Council, in its fourth-quarter report for 2024, covering October to December last year, collected 176 bottled water samples from 20 cities.

Dr. Hifza Rasheed, Director-General of PCRWR, explained the Council compared the test results with the bottled water standards of the Pakistan Standards & Quality Control Authority (PSQCA).

27 Water brands flagged for microbiological or chemical contamination: PCRWR

Rasheed also disclosed the exercise indicated that 27 brands were unfit for human consumption due to microbiological or chemical contamination.

Among the flagged brands, Miran Drinking Water Pak Aqua, Jel Bottled Water, Neo, Eltsen, Pure Water, Aqua Health, Oslo, and More Plus contained excessive sodium levels.

One Pure Drinking Water, Indus, Premium Safa Purified Water, Orwell, and Natural Pure Life had unsafe arsenic levels, while Hunza Utter Water exceeded the permissible potassium limit.

For bacterial contamination, the regulatory Council found 16 brands wanting, including SS Water, Sip Premium Drinking Water, Miran Drinking Water, D-Nova, Sky Rain, and Neo.

Other affected brands are Pure Water, Dream Pure, Aqua Sharav Pure Drinking Water, Marvi, Ice Well, Akb Sky, Karakorum Spring Water, More Plus, Essentia, and Life Inn, making them unfit for drinking.

Dr. Rasheed explained that under Federal cabinet directives, water samples are collected from 24 cities nationwide every three months and shared with the PSQCA and provincial authorities for regulatory action.

The Director-General of PCRWR, however, clarified that while the Pakistan Council is responsible for testing and reporting findings, issuing licences and taking legal action against indicted companies selling substandard water falls under other regulatory bodies in the country.

Some of the concerned water company representatives claimed their businesses had been sold, while others did not respond to inquiries, report said.

Sequel to the regulators’ report, a few water companies have defended their products, asserting that they adhered to quality standards.

On licensing process for bottled water plants

Ashraf Player, Director of Licensing at PSQCA, has outlined the licensing process for bottled water plants in Pakistan.

Player explained that before issuing a licence to a company, the agency conducts inspections and third-party checks, followed by scrutiny committee review and approval from the Director-General.

The Director said if a company is found violating hygiene standards, it undergoes three random checks before action is taken.

He also stated if violations persist, the company鈥檚 licence is revoked, and production is halted in the plant.

Player, however, noted the PSQCA鈥檚 staffing challenges, disclosing that only seven Inspectors are responsible for monitoring bottled water quality in Karachi, despite the agency鈥檚 nationwide mandate.

Kindly Share This Story