ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Council for Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) on Tuesday declared 26 bottled water brands unsafe for human consumption due to microbiological or chemical contamination, raising concerns over consumer safety.
Under government directives, PCRWR monitors bottled and mineral water brands quarterly and publicly shares the results to ensure transparency and safeguard public health.
For the third quarter of 2025 (July–September), PCRWR collected 205 samples of bottled and mineral water from 21 major cities across Pakistan. Laboratory testing compared these samples against Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) criteria for bottled water. The analysis revealed that 26 brands failed to meet safety standards, making them unfit for drinking.
PCRWR stated, “The poor quality of drinking water has forced a large cross-section of citizens to buy bottled water. However, many mineral water companies were found selling contaminated water.”
Brands Contaminated with Chemical Pollutants:
- Excess Sodium: Pure Drinking Water, Premium Drinking Water, Eltsen, Purifa
- Excess Arsenic: Natural Pure Life, Aqua Nest, Premium Safa Purified Water, Piyo Pani Bottled Drinking Water, Wolga
Brands Contaminated with Bacteria:
Seventeen brands were found microbiologically unsafe due to bacterial contamination:
A2Z Pure Drinking Water, New Mehran, Zalmi, Pure Life, Deer Drinking Water, Dream Pure, Gulf, Crystal Aqua, Ruha Water, Pure Drinking Water, Premium Drinking Water, Fresh Aqua, Asia Healthy Drinking Water, Isberg, Lasani, Wolga, Maya Premium Drinking Water.
PCRWR advised consumers to verify the quality status of bottled water brands they use and remain cautious about potential health risks associated with contaminated water.
