SurvivingIndia: Which brand of bottled water should you drink in India ?
Water,Water everywhere, but not a drop to drink! The CSE (Centre for Science and Environment- a NGO in Delhi) had claimed in 2003, that all mineral waters available in India, save a few, contain extremely high level of pesticides (79 times to 104 times the permissible limit). All well known manufacturers if mineral water were docked, including well known manufacturers like Bisleri, Aquafina ( a Pepsi product).
Only two products passed the CSE test, when compared against extremely stringent European Union standards - Himalayan and Catch, both bottled in Himachal Pradesh. Incidentally, their level of pesticides was still marginally (0.4 times) higher than the EU limit. But of course, compared to brands like Bisleri (79 times), Kinley (Coca-Cola product-14.6 times), they passed with flying colors.
Himalayan is owned by the Mount Everest Mineral Water company, and is owned by Dadi Balsara, a maverick businessman based out of Hong Kong of Indian origin. More about Dadi Balsara in a seperate post, but suffice to say that he deserves a separate 500 word article, so strange is his story and so powerful his charisma.
The conclusion seems to be clear. Discerning customers should opt for Himalayan, even if it is Rs.3 costlier than other brands. After all, you don't want to quench your thirst with pesticides, do you?
Only two products passed the CSE test, when compared against extremely stringent European Union standards - Himalayan and Catch, both bottled in Himachal Pradesh. Incidentally, their level of pesticides was still marginally (0.4 times) higher than the EU limit. But of course, compared to brands like Bisleri (79 times), Kinley (Coca-Cola product-14.6 times), they passed with flying colors.
Himalayan is owned by the Mount Everest Mineral Water company, and is owned by Dadi Balsara, a maverick businessman based out of Hong Kong of Indian origin. More about Dadi Balsara in a seperate post, but suffice to say that he deserves a separate 500 word article, so strange is his story and so powerful his charisma.The conclusion seems to be clear. Discerning customers should opt for Himalayan, even if it is Rs.3 costlier than other brands. After all, you don't want to quench your thirst with pesticides, do you?
Disclaimer: We are not paid agents of the manufacturers of Himalayan- although some times we wish we were :). For media articles publishing the CSE study, 'Google' on 'Himalayan mineral water' or click here.
