Unbottling the issues with the Indian bottled water industry

In 2023, global production hit $270 billion, with 60% of the market in the Global South. India has seen a sharp increase in demand, especially in cities.

Water treatment in bottled water includes filtration methods like sedimentation, chlorination, and ozonation. Larger companies use advanced technologies like RO and ozonation, while smaller firms often rely on more basic methods like ion exchange.

Reverse Osmosis (RO) is popular but controversial. It produces wastewater and removes minerals, raising health and environmental concerns. Most firms lack sustainable ways to handle this waste.

BIS standards for bottled water are mandatory, yet testing labs are scarce in rural areas.Unlike big cities, smaller towns struggle to enforce standards, affecting the quality and regulation of bottled water.

With widespread groundwater extraction, bottled water firms face conflicts with local communities.