Microbiological Quality of Bottled Water Available in Lahore City

BACKGROUND: A large number of infectious diseases are transmitted primarily through the water supplies contaminated with human and animal excreta. This study was undertaken for the microbiological testing of bottled water used for drinking purposes by the public in the Lahore city. METHODS: This descriptive study was undertaken for the microbiological testing of bottled water used for drinking purposes by the public in the Lahore city. RESULTS: Twenty-four samples were collected at investigator's convenience. Microbiological testing was performed using the membrane filter technique. Of the 24 samples tested, two (8.3%) were found to be contaminated with bacteria found in human or animal excreta. CONCLUSION: Although only 8.3% samples were found to be unsafe bacteriologically, this emphasizes that all bottled waters should not be taken for granted to be safe for consumption and may need to undergo additional processing by the consumers.