Karnataka Study Reveals Most Bottled Water Unsafe for Drinking

Bengaluru, April 08, 2025 – A startling investigation by Karnataka’s Health Department has exposed serious safety issues with bottled water sold across the state. Out of 255 samples analyzed from a total of 296 collected during a special campaign in February 2025, only 72—roughly 28%—were found safe for consumption. The findings, announced by Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on Tuesday, have sparked widespread concern about the quality of packaged drinking water, a critical resource for many in a country where tap water is often unreliable.

According to the report, 95 samples were classified as outright unsafe, while 88 were of substandard quality, failing to meet health standards due to contaminants such as pesticide residues, fluoride, and excessive total dissolved solids like calcium and magnesium. The remaining 41 samples are still under analysis, but the initial results have already prompted the state’s Food Safety and Drug Administration to plan legal action against manufacturers. “Most unsafe samples were from local brands, while national brands generally performed better,” Rao told reporters, urging consumers to exercise caution when purchasing bottled water.

The study’s findings resonate with longstanding concerns about bottled water safety in India. Historical reports, such as a 2003 study by the Centre for Science and Environment that detected pesticides in Delhi’s bottled water, and a 2016 India Today investigation uncovering bacteria in samples, suggest this is not a new problem. More recently, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) classified packaged water as a “high-risk” food category in December 2024, following the removal of mandatory Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification for some products. This regulatory shift has heightened scrutiny, with experts calling for mandatory testing and stricter enforcement.

India’s bottled water market, valued at $3.79 billion in 2023 per the Trade Promotion Council of India, is projected to reach $8.92 billion by 2030, driven by necessity rather than choice. With 80% of the industry unorganized, according to industry estimates, the prevalence of substandard products poses a significant public health risk. “People turn to bottled water expecting safety, but these results show that trust is misplaced,” said Dr. Anjali Mehta, a public health expert in Mumbai. “Contaminated water can lead to diseases like gastroenteritis or long-term issues from chemical exposure.”

The Karnataka Health Department has vowed to escalate its response, with plans to collect legal samples directly from manufacturers for further testing and potential prosecution. Rao emphasized that while the survey samples highlight the scale of the problem, actionable evidence is needed to penalize violators. In the meantime, consumers are advised to check for BIS certification and opt for reputable brands.

As summer nears and reliance on bottled water increases, these findings underscore a broader challenge: ensuring safe drinking water in a nation where infrastructure lags behind demand. For now, the promise of purity in every bottle remains elusive for many in Karnataka and likely beyond.