And MS2 Virus)

On retesting of microbiological parameters (

The comments of all the manufacturers are of a similar type – that is, their own tests on reduction of toxic metals, E. coli and MS2 virus are not matching the Consumer Voice test results. All of them have requested for retests on fresh samples, preferably at another lab.

VOICE Society’s reply

The designated NABL lab has been regularly doing tests of drinking water and water purifiers as per relevant Indian Standards. In fact, some of the manufacturers have been sending samples from their production line for testing to this lab. So, the test procedure itself is well-known to them and cannot be questioned. VOICE Society has been conducting comparative testing of consumer products since 1991. The technical advisors of VOICE Society closely monitor the activities of laboratories during testing of products. Regarding the suggestion for retesting for E. coli, MS2 virus and heavy metals, it must be noted that the comparative testing of RO systems has already taken approximately five months. Further, the laboratory has confirmed that they have retested, on a random basis, 30 per cent of the RO systems available with them and found that the retest results are very close to the earlier results. Further, it is a time-bound project and retesting of new models of all the 10 brands is not feasible. Since this is an ongoing activity by VOICE, we will give due consideration to manufacturers’ suggestions in the next round of testing of water purifiers. As of now, their comments have been noted in our records and are reproduced in the report along with our findings.