Packaged Drinking Water is yet another commercial food product in the market. With increasing consumer awareness and strict food safety regulations, analysing packaged drinking water is more important than ever. Whether you’re a food technologist, quality control analyst, or a curious consumer, understanding how bottled water is tested ensures both safety and compliance.
In this guide, we break down the step-by-step process to analyze packaged drinking water, based on industry standards such as BIS 14543, WHO, and ISO 22000.
Physical Analysis of Packaged Water
Objective: Evaluate the sensory and physical characteristics.
| Parameter | Ideal Range | Testing Method |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Clear & colorless | Visual inspection |
| Odor & Taste | Acceptable | Organoleptic test |
| Turbidity | <1 NTU | Turbidity meter |
| TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) | 50–500 ppm | TDS meter |
Chemical Analysis of Packaged Drinking Water
Objective: Ensure the water is free from harmful substances and within safe chemical limits.
| Chemical Parameter | Acceptable Limit | Method Used |
|---|---|---|
| pH | 6.5 – 8.5 | pH meter |
| Chloride | <250 mg/L | Titration |
| Fluoride | <1.0 mg/L | Ion-selective electrode |
| Nitrate | <45 mg/L | Spectrophotometry |
| Iron | <0.3 mg/L | AAS |
| Lead | <0.01 mg/L | AAS |
| Mercury | <0.001 mg/L | AAS |
| Total Hardness | <200 mg/L | EDTA Titration |
| Alkalinity | <200 mg/L | Titration |
| Residual Chlorine | <0.2 mg/L | DPD Method |
⚠️ Heavy metals like lead and mercury are toxic even at very low levels. Always prioritize accurate testing.
Microbiological Analysis
Objective: Detect disease-causing microorganisms.
| Microbiological Parameter | Acceptable Limit | Testing Method |
|---|---|---|
| Total Plate Count (TPC) | <100 CFU/mL | Pour plate/membrane filtration |
| Total Coliforms | 0 per 100 mL | MPN method |
| E. coli | Absent | Membrane filtration |
| Pseudomonas aeruginosa | Absent | Nutrient agar culture |
| Yeast and Mold | Absent/Negligible | Sabouraud agar |
🧫 The presence of E. coli or coliforms is a red flag and indicates possible contamination.
Advanced or Optional Tests for Water
These are recommended in cases where ozone disinfection or chlorination is used:
| Parameter | Limit | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Bromate | <0.01 mg/L | Byproduct of ozonation |
| Ozone Residual | Detectable | Disinfection verification |
| Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs) | Minimal/Absent | Chlorination safety |
Testing Standards – Packaged Drinking Water
When analyzing packaged drinking water, always comply with:
- BIS 14543:2016 – Indian Standard for Packaged Drinking Water
- IS 13428 – Natural Mineral Water
- WHO Drinking Water Guidelines
- ISO 22000 & HACCP – Food Safety Management Systems
- US EPA Drinking Water Standards (for exports)
Equipment & Tools You’ll Need
- pH meter
- TDS meter
- Turbidity meter
- Spectrophotometer
- Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) machine
- Incubator
- Membrane filtration setup
- Titration kits
- Sterile sampling bottles
Packaged drinking water must go through rigorous testing to ensure it meets safety standards before reaching the consumer. Regular analysis not only protects consumer health but also ensures regulatory compliance and brand integrity.
Whether you’re in a QA/QC lab, water bottling plant, or conducting research, this guide will help you confidently analyze water quality.
