ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) has identified 26 water brands as unsafe for human use causing widespread alarm among consumers across the country. These results were released in the council’s recent quarterly report, for July to September 2025.
An examination of 205 water brands available nationwide revealed that many contained excessively high amounts of sodium, arsenic, potassium and TDS with 17 brands being polluted by dangerous bacteria.
The PCRWR cautioned that consuming inferior bottled water might cause stomach infections, elevated blood pressure, kidney issues, dehydration and various other health problems.
Brands Exceeding Sodium Limits
Brands identified with sodium content include:
Pure Drinking Water, Altsin, Purifa.
Brands Containing Arsenic Contamination
Brands containing arsenic levels exceeding thresholds include:
Natural Pure Life, Aqua Nest, Premium Safa Purified Water, Piyo Pani, Volga.
The council observed that the buildup of arsenic, in the body may lead to liver and skin disorders.
Brands with Excessive Potassium
Two companies, My Pure Water and Smart Pure Life were identified with elevated potassium levels.
Brands with TDS Above Safe Levels
Two brands were also deemed unsafe because of levels of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS).
17 Brands Detected with Bacterial Contamination
The concerning discovery was bacterial contamination present, in these brands:
A to Z Pure, New Mehran, Zalmi, Pure Life, Deer Drinking Water, Dream Pure, Gulf, Crystal Aqua, Rooh Water, Premium Drinking Water, Fresh Aqua, Asia Healthy Drinking Water, Iceberg, Lasani, Volga, and Maya Premium.
The report states that water contaminated with bacteria can lead to stomach problems, vomiting, diarrhoea and, in children life-threatening dehydration.
The PCRWR has urged the public to use only verified and certified bottled water brands, warning that long-term consumption of unsafe water poses serious health risks.
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