ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) has declared 20 mineral/bottled water brands unfit for human consumption due to chemical or microbiological contamination.
According to a news release issued here on Monday, for the second quarter of 2023 (April to June), the PCRWR collected 169 samples of bottled/mineral water brands from 20 cities.
It found eleven brands, including Laharish, Zimal, Pure Life, Spring Fresh, Best Natural, AM Mughal, Alkaline, Aqua Anshu, Jheel, Questa, and Neway Pure Life, unsafe due to the presence of higher levels of sodium. Pure Life and Alkaline brands were found unsafe due to TDS higher than the permissible limit.
Similarly, due to the presence of high-level of potassium than the allowed limit, one brand, named Imperial, was unsafe, and six brands (Aab-e-Arham, Safe Life, Savour, Aqua Fresh, Aqua One and Aqua Best) were found contaminated with bacteria.
Moreover, four brands (Noble, Imperial, Best Natural, and Doctor pure drinking water) were contaminated with high Arsenic levels.
The public is urged to read the comprehensive report to learn about the water quality of their bottled water brands. On the PCRWR website, www.pcrwr.gov.pk, you may find complete information. —APP
