ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Council for Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) has recently declared 28 bottled water brands unsafe for human consumption due to microbiological and chemical contamination. This alarming discovery has raised significant concerns regarding public health and the quality of bottled water available in the country.
PCRWR Report on Unsafe Bottled Water Brands
In an extensive nationwide study, PCRWR collected 176 bottled water samples from 20 cities across Pakistan. These samples underwent rigorous testing and were compared against the Pakistan Standards & Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) standards for bottled water safety. Unfortunately, the findings revealed that 28 brands contained hazardous contaminants, making them unsafe for human consumption.
Contaminated Brands and Health Hazards
The PCRWR report highlights various forms of contamination, including high sodium levels, arsenic content, and bacterial presence, which pose serious health risks to consumers.
Excessive Sodium Levels
Sodium is an essential nutrient, but excessive amounts in drinking water can contribute to hypertension, kidney disease, and cardiovascular issues. The following 10 brands were found to have dangerously high sodium levels:
- Miran Drinking Water
- Pak Aqua
- Jel Bottled Water
- Neo
- Aab-e-Dubai
- Eltsen
- Pure Water
- Aqua Health
- Oslo
- More Plus
High Arsenic Content
Arsenic is a highly toxic element that, when consumed over time, can lead to neurological disorders, cancer, and chronic diseases. The five brands that exceeded the permissible arsenic limits include:
- One Pure Drinking Water
- Indus
- Premium Safa Purified Water
- Orwell
- Natural Pure Life
Bacterial Contamination
The presence of bacteria in drinking water is one of the most dangerous health hazards, leading to gastrointestinal infections, diarrhea, and serious illnesses. The PCRWR report identified 16 brands contaminated with harmful bacteria, making them unfit for consumption:
- SS Water
- Sip Sip Premium Drinking Water
- Miran Drinking Water
- D-Nova
- Sky Rain
- Neo
- Pure Water
- Dream Pure
- Aqua Sharav Pure Drinking Water
- Marvi
- Ice Well
- Akb Sky
- Karakorum Spring Water
- More Plus
- Essentia
- Life Inn
Consumer Warning and Health Risks
The consumption of contaminated bottled water can lead to severe short-term and long-term health complications. Some of the most common health risks associated with unsafe drinking water include:
- Gastrointestinal infections: Bacteria and viruses present in contaminated water can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration.
- Kidney diseases: High levels of sodium and other contaminants can damage kidney function.
- Hypertension (high blood pressure): Excess sodium intake contributes to an increased risk of hypertension and heart disease.
- Neurological disorders: Long-term exposure to heavy metals like arsenic can result in nerve damage, cognitive decline, and developmental issues in children.
- Long-term toxicity risks: Prolonged consumption of chemically contaminated water may lead to liver damage, respiratory disorders, and increased cancer risk.
Government Action and Regulatory Measures
In light of these alarming findings, PCRWR has called upon PSQCA and relevant health authorities to take immediate action against the manufacturers of the contaminated water brands. The following steps have been recommended to ensure safe drinking water for all citizens:
1. Strict Regulatory Checks
Regular and mandatory inspections of bottled water brands must be conducted to ensure compliance with PSQCA safety standards.
2. Public Awareness Campaigns
Consumers must be educated about the potential health hazards of consuming unsafe bottled water. Awareness campaigns should focus on recognizing certified safe brands and understanding water safety labels.
3. Immediate Bans and Legal Actions
Manufacturers found guilty of violating health standards should face strict penalties, including product bans, fines, and legal consequences.
4. Improved Quality Control Measures
Water filtration and purification processes should be upgraded, and real-time monitoring systems should be introduced to detect contamination before products reach the market.
5. Encouraging Safe Water Consumption Practices
Consumers should be encouraged to use boiled or filtered water whenever possible and verify the authenticity of bottled water brands before purchase.
Conclusion
The presence of unsafe bottled water brands in Pakistan is a serious public health issue that requires urgent intervention. Consumers must remain vigilant, and authorities need to implement strict regulatory measures to ensure access to clean and safe drinking water. By prioritizing water quality control, Pakistan can protect its citizens from severe health risks and uphold international safety standards in the bottled water industry.
