The Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) has issued a critical health alert, flagging 23 bottled water brands as unsafe for consumption. This warning follows comprehensive testing that revealed these brands are contaminated with harmful bacteria or dangerous chemicals, posing significant health risks.
From April to June 2024, PCRWR conducted a rigorous evaluation of 209 bottled water samples collected from 21 cities across Pakistan. The findings were alarming: 23 brands failed to meet safety standards, rendering them hazardous for drinking.
Key Findings
The detailed press release from PCRWR highlighted various contaminants found in these brands, which include:
Excessive Sodium Levels
Four brands were identified with sodium levels exceeding the safe limits:
- Aqua Qismat
- Vivo Water
- Ruyaal Silver
- Smart
Arsenic Contamination
Three brands were found with arsenic levels beyond the permissible limits:
- Still
- Starlite Water
- Premium Safa Purified Water
High Potassium Levels
Smart Pure Life was specifically flagged for its dangerously high potassium content.
Bacterial Contamination
A significant number of brands were contaminated with bacteria, posing immediate health hazards:
- Fijji
- Asha Premium Drinking Water
- Water Plus Premium Drinking Water
- Neo Health Drinking Water
- Cliff Water Healthy Drinking Water
- Dream Pure
- Samar Indus Drinking Water
- Splash Water
- Crystal Pure Life
- Buxton
- Kohinoor
- BRO H2O
- Oriel
- Parwaz Water
- Masafi
PCRWR’s Recommendations
PCRWR strongly urges the public to review their detailed reports to make informed decisions about the bottled water brands they consume. The Council’s regular quarterly updates aim to keep consumers informed about potential health risks associated with bottled and mineral water brands available in the market.
The Council’s vigilance in monitoring water quality is part of a broader initiative to protect public health. Their ongoing assessments and public disclosures are vital for ensuring safe drinking water standards and holding brands accountable for their quality.
Public Health Impact
This alert underscores a significant public health concern, given the widespread reliance on bottled water for drinking purposes across Pakistan. The identified contaminants can lead to serious health issues, ranging from gastrointestinal infections to long-term conditions like arsenic poisoning, which affects multiple organs and systems in the body.
Conclusion
The PCRWR’s findings highlight the urgent need for stricter regulatory oversight and enforcement of water safety standards. Consumers are advised to stay informed and vigilant, regularly checking updates from PCRWR to ensure they avoid brands that compromise their health. The Council’s commitment to transparency and public health safety remains a cornerstone in the fight against water contamination in Pakistan.
For more information and to view the detailed report, consumers can visit the PCRWR website or access their quarterly publications, which provide comprehensive insights into the quality and safety of bottled water brands.
By addressing these issues proactively, PCRWR aims to safeguard public health and ensure that safe, clean drinking water is accessible to all.
