Half of packaged water samples tested found to be unsafe

BENGALURU: Water is essential for all living beings. In addition to supporting major bodily functions, water provides essential nutrients that the body cannot produce. However, in recent days, especially in metropolitan cities like Bengaluru, people are worried that drinking water is becoming toxic, contaminated and unsafe for health.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) had sent around 160 packaged water bottle samples for testing. Out of these, reports of over 100 samples have already been received and the department found that 50 pc of the water samples were unsafe for consumption.

The report stated that local packaged water is unsafe for drinking. As per the test, hazardous bacteria was found in the water samples. Long-term storage of water led to the growth of fungal elements. Some companies were also found to be selling contaminated water and borewell water in bottles.

Some hazardous elements were detected because the water was not purified before being supplied to the market. Drinking contaminated water can cause vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and fatigue. Children are more likely to develop health problems quickly, according to senior officials from the Food Safety Department.