THREE brands of barreled drinking water were found to not meet standards in an examination of 17 brands sold in a local market, Shenzhen Evening News reported, citing a report from Shenzhen Consumer Council.

    The three brands of drinking water were found to contain excessive amounts of bacteria. They are: Caitian (彩田), Shanzhiyun (山之韵) and Shengmingzhiyuan (生命之源). The brand Caitian even contained pseudomonas aeruginosa, a pathogenic bacterium that could lead to infections.

    Their water produced June 1 was found to contain pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is a common bacterium in soil. People who have oral ulcers and wounds could be infected after drinking the water.

    Examinations take five aspects into account: the label on the outer packing, levels of certain chemicals, microorganisms, taste and “sensory evaluation.”

    An examination of three types of barreled drinking water, including purified water, mineral water and cleaned natural water, indicated that 14 brands are safe for drinking.

    Two brands of purified water, Watson and Wahaha (娃哈哈), ranked top among seven brands that earned a “good” assessment.

    The water brand Wutong Xianquan (梧桐仙泉) ranked at the top among six brands in the cleaned natural water category.

    An examination of mineral water indicated that the brand Qiniangshan (七娘山) ranked at the top among six brands examined.

    An examination of seven brands of purified water and five brands of cleaned natural water showed that all brands are safe in terms of heavy metal content.

    Tests on microorganisms in barreled water indicate that the total number of bacteria grows as water is exposed to open air and surges when the water is exposed to open air for five or more days.

    In addition, six brands of mineral water were found to be not up to national standards for the beneficial elements of lithium, strontium, zinc and selenium, although harmful elements were judged to be within safe limits, the News report said.

    Shenzhen Consumer Council suggests that consumers stop drinking barreled water after it has been opened for one week, or else boil the water before drinking.

    It also reminds consumers to keep their water dispenser clean by regularly disinfecting it. Wash the water dispenser at least every three months as well.

    (Anna Zhao)