The Pakistan Council for Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) has issued a report declaring 28 bottled water brands unsafe for drinking due to harmful contamination. The findings came after testing 176 samples collected from 20 cities across the country.
The analysis revealed that several brands contained dangerous levels of sodium, arsenic, and potassium, while others were contaminated with bacteria.
Ten brands including Miran Drinking Water, Pak Aqua, Jel Bottled Water, Neo, Aab-e-Dubai, Eltsen, Pure Water, Aqua Health, Oslo and More.
High sodium intake can contribute to high blood pressure and kidney issues, while arsenic exposure poses serious health risks, including cancer. The presence of bacteria increases the likelihood of waterborne diseases, making the affected brands unsuitable for consumption.
Authorities have urged consumers to be cautious when choosing bottled water and to verify its quality before purchasing.
Stricter monitoring and regulatory actions have been recommended to ensure that bottled water meets safety standards. The report serves as a wake-up call for the industry to prioritize consumer health and maintain high-quality water purification processes.
Five brands, including One Pure Drinking Water and Indus, contained unsafe arsenic levels, while Hunza Utter Water had excessive potassium. Additionally, 16 brands, such as SS Water and Neo, were contaminated with bacteria. These findings highlight serious health risks, urging consumers to be cautious about bottled water choices.
