What is a Packaged Drinking Water Plant?

A packaged drinking water plant is a specialized manufacturing facility that produces and packages drinking water in a clean and hygienic environment. The plant follows certain quality standards set by the regulatory authorities to ensure the water packaged is safe for consumption.

The Importance of Packaged Drinking Water Plant

In today’s world, the demand for packaged drinking water has increased manifold. The reason being the rise in pollution levels, soil contamination, and deteriorating groundwater quality. Packaged drinking water plants ensure that the water they package is free from contaminants and adheres to the necessary quality standards. It is crucial to eliminate the risk of drinking contaminated water that could lead to health problems.

The Process Involved in a Packaged Drinking Water Plant

Firstly, the raw water is collected from the source, which could either be a well, borewell, or surface water body. The collected water is then passed through a series of filters, including a sand filter and a carbon filter, to remove the suspended solids and impurities.

The water is then treated with chemicals such as alum and chlorine to remove the bacteria and viruses. Reverse osmosis (RO) is used to remove dissolved solids and other impurities present in the water. The water is then passed through a UV sterilization process to ensure it is free from microorganisms and is safe for consumption. Once the water is treated, it is then filled into bottles or pouches of different sizes and sealed.

The Quality Standards Followed by a Packaged Drinking Water Plant

Packaged drinking water plants follow certain quality standards to ensure that the water packaged is safe for consumption. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has set certain guidelines that each plant must adhere to. These guidelines include the acceptable limits for physical, chemical, and microbiological parameters such as pH, turbidity, total dissolved solids, and bacteria count.

The plant must also comply with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regulations to ensure that the packaging material used does not leach harmful chemicals into the water. The plant must have a proper waste disposal mechanism, and the water must be tested regularly to ensure that it meets the necessary quality standards.

The Advantages of a Packaged Drinking Water Plant

A packaged drinking water plant offers numerous benefits, some of which are listed below:

Packaged drinking water is convenient and easily accessible.

The water is free from contaminants and safe for consumption.

Packaged drinking water can be stored for longer durations without any deterioration in quality.

The water is packaged in a variety of sizes that cater to the needs of individual consumers.

Packaged drinking water is economical and affordable.

The Future of Packaged Drinking Water Plants

The demand for packaged drinking water is projected to rise in the upcoming years due to urbanization, increased awareness about water-borne diseases, and a surge in disposable incomes. The packaged drinking water plant industry is expected to grow significantly in the future as more people become health-conscious and switch to bottled water. It is essential to ensure that the packaged drinking water plants adhere to quality standards to eliminate the risk of water-borne diseases and ensure safe drinking water for all.