Eight Bottled Water Plants Shut Down in Punjab

The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) has shut down eight bottled water plants after tests revealed dangerously high levels of chemicals and bacteria, making the water unsafe for consumption.

The action follows tests conducted by the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR), which found that several bottled water brands contained harmful contaminants.

Despite being marketed as a safer alternative in a country struggling with water pollution, these brands pose serious health risks.

The test results, compared against Pakistan Standards & Quality Control Authority guidelines, showed alarming levels of arsenic, microbiological impurities, and chemical pollutants.

As a result, PFA sealed the following plants: SS Water and Pak Acqua RO Mineral Water in Sahiwal, Premium Safa Purified Water, Orwell, Natural Pure Life, and Life Inn Water Plant in Multan, Sky Rain in Faisalabad, and Iced Well in Sialkot.

PFA Director General Asim Javed stated that these facilities will remain closed until they implement strict corrective measures. These include improving water quality, conducting mandatory medical tests for workers, and replacing filtration systems.

The PCRWR report highlighted that some brands contained dangerously high levels of sodium, arsenic, and potassium, while others were found to have harmful bacteria.

The potential health risks associated with consuming such water include gastrointestinal infections, kidney disease, high blood pressure, nervous system disorders, and even cancer.