29 bottled water brands declared substandard in the country

A recent analytical report by the Pakistan Council for Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) revealed that 29 out of 230 bottled water brands tested were substandard. This quarterly monitoring, conducted from April to June 2026 across 20 cities, found several brands to be contaminated with bacteria and unsafe for consumption, while others exceeded prescribed limits for sodium and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). Specifically, 22 brands were found to be microbially contaminated, and 9 brands had excessive sodium levels. Companies' spokespersons, however, are claiming their brands meet standards and plan to contact the government to rectify the record, highlighting a significant public health concern regarding drinking water quality in Pakistan.