ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Council for Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) has declared 23 bottled and mineral water brands unsafe for human consumption after detecting microbiological and chemical contamination in its latest assessment.
The Government of Pakistan has assigned PCRWR the responsibility of monitoring bottled and mineral water brands on a quarterly basis and publicly sharing the findings to raise awareness about public health and water safety.
During the second quarter of 2025 (April to June), PCRWR collected 203 water samples from bottled and mineral water brands across 21 major cities of Pakistan. These samples were tested and compared with the quality standards set by the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA).
The analysis revealed that 23 brands failed to meet safety standards and were found unsafe for drinking due to excessive chemical content or bacterial contamination.
Brands Unsafe Due to High Sodium Levels
PCRWR reported that the following 11 brands contained sodium levels higher than the permissible limit, making them unsafe for consumption:
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New Mehran
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Aqua 111
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Nice Pure Max
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Pure Drinking Water
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Logic
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Himalya Cool
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Natural Pure Life
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Natural
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Forever Bottled Drinking Water
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Drinkly Pure Drinking Water
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Qudrat Water
Brands Unsafe Due to High Arsenic Levels
The following four brands were found to contain arsenic levels exceeding the safe limit:
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Atco Drinking Water
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Aqua Nest
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Pani
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New Mountain
Brand Unsafe Due to High Potassium Levels
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Vey Forever was found to have potassium levels above the permissible standard.
Brands Contaminated with Bacteria
PCRWR also identified nine brands contaminated with harmful bacteria, rendering them unsafe for drinking purposes:
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Noble Pure Drinking Water
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Aqua 111
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Clear
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Wah Water
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Nice Pure Max
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Aqua King Bottled Water
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Maa Jee
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Freshin Drinking Water
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Iceland
Public Advisory
PCRWR has urged consumers to review the complete report to stay informed about the safety status of the bottled water brands they use. The council emphasized the importance of choosing safe drinking water to protect public health and prevent waterborne diseases.
Consumers are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any concerns related to bottled water quality to relevant authorities.
