Walk into almost any shop in Kerala and you’ll find several bottles of drinking water. Different brands, different bottle sizes, different prices and sometimes very different-looking packaging.
But how do you decide which one to buy?
The cheapest bottle isn’t automatically the best choice. At the same time, an expensive bottle doesn’t automatically mean better water.
When choosing packaged drinking water in Kerala, the more useful approach is to look at the things that actually affect quality: the source, treatment, testing, packaging, storage and the reliability of the manufacturer.
Here is a simple guide to help you make that choice.
What Should You Look for in Packaged Drinking Water?
The first thing to understand is that packaged drinking water is not simply water put into a bottle.
Under the current BIS specification IS 14543:2024, packaged drinking water is water filled into sealed containers for human consumption. Depending on the source and requirements, it can undergo processes such as filtration, demineralisation, remineralisation and reverse osmosis. The standard covers physical, organoleptic, microbiological and chemical requirements, along with requirements for contaminants, packaging and hygienic manufacturing.
So, when comparing brands, don’t focus only on the bottle or the label design.
Look at what happens before the water reaches the bottle.
1. Start With the Water Source
The source is the starting point of the entire process.
Packaged drinking water can come from different permitted sources, including underground water, surface water and other sources. What matters is how the water is treated and controlled before it is packaged.
For example, Kriztle says its water is sourced from springs in Kerala and undergoes multiple quality-assurance processes before bottling. Its published purification process includes natural water sourcing, pre-filtration, reverse osmosis, UV and ozone treatment, followed by hygienic storage.
When choosing packaged drinking water in Kerala, look for a manufacturer that clearly communicates where its water comes from and how it is processed.
A clear source story is more useful than simply saying that the water is “pure”.
2. Understand the Purification Process
Water treatment is another important factor.
Different sources can have different characteristics, so treatment may involve multiple processes.
Common treatment methods include:
- Pre-filtration
- Activated carbon filtration
- Micron filtration
- Reverse osmosis
- UV treatment
- Ozonation
Not every bottle will necessarily use every one of these processes. The treatment should be appropriate for the source water and the required quality.
The current IS 14543:2024 standard recognises treatment processes such as filtration and reverse osmosis as part of the production of packaged drinking water.
This is why simply asking, “Does this water come from a natural source?” isn’t enough.
The source is one part of the story. What happens to the water after sourcing is equally important.
3. Look for Quality Testing
This is one of the most important points, but also one that consumers cannot easily verify themselves.
You can’t look at a bottle and know whether it meets every microbiological or chemical requirement.
That’s why proper testing is important.
IS 14543:2024 covers a wide range of requirements, including microbiological parameters, chemical characteristics, toxic substances, radioactive residues and pesticide residues.
Current BIS laboratory information for IS 14543:2024 includes testing related to parameters such as E. coli, coliforms, Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella, pesticides, heavy metals and other contaminants.
As a consumer, you don’t need to memorise all these parameters.
Instead, choose a manufacturer that operates with proper quality-control and testing systems.
4. Check the Bottle and Packaging
The water can be properly treated, but the packaging still matters.
The bottle should be intact, properly sealed and free from obvious damage.
Before buying, check:
- Is the cap properly sealed?
- Is the bottle leaking?
- Is the packaging damaged?
- Is the label readable?
- Is the product information clearly provided?
- Has the bottle been stored properly?
The BIS product manual for IS 14543:2024 specifies information such as the product name, processor name and address, brand, batch or code number, date of manufacture or packaging, expiry/use-by information, net quantity and storage directions. It also includes the instruction to keep the product away from direct sunlight.
A bottle that looks damaged or tampered with is not worth taking a chance on.
5. Don’t Ignore Storage
This is an easy one to forget.
You may buy a good-quality bottle from a reliable manufacturer, but where and how it is stored still matters.
Avoid bottles that have been sitting in direct sunlight or excessive heat for long periods.
This is particularly relevant in Kerala, where temperatures can become quite high, especially during warmer months.
Once you buy the bottle, don’t leave it unnecessarily in a hot car or another place exposed to prolonged heat.
Good water quality is not just about production. Proper handling continues until the bottle reaches the consumer.
6. Check the Label Before You Buy
The label can tell you more than you might expect.
Take a few seconds to check:
Product type: Make sure you know whether you are buying packaged drinking water or another type of bottled water.
Manufacturer: Look for clear manufacturer or processor information.
Batch/code: This helps identify the particular production batch.
Date information: Check the relevant manufacture, packaging and expiry/use-by information.
Quantity: Confirm whether you’re buying 250ml, 500ml, 1 litre, 2 litres or another size.
These details are part of the product information requirements outlined in the BIS product manual.
A clear, informative label gives you more confidence about what you’re buying.
7. Consider the Bottle Size Based on Your Need
Choosing packaged drinking water isn’t only about quality. Practicality matters too.
A 500ml bottle may make sense when you’re travelling or attending an event.
A 1-litre bottle can be convenient for individual daily use.
Larger bottles may make more sense for families, offices or situations where several people need water.
Kriztle, for example, offers packaged drinking water in a range of sizes across its product line, from smaller bottles to larger 2.5-litre and 5-litre options.
Choosing the right size can also help reduce unnecessary packaging and avoid paying for more water than you actually need.
8. Don’t Choose Only Based on Price
Price is obviously a factor when buying bottled water.
But it shouldn’t be the only factor.
Two bottles may have different prices because of differences in bottle size, packaging, distribution, positioning or other commercial factors.
Instead of asking only:
“Which bottle is cheapest?”
ask:
“What am I getting for the price?”
Look at the product size, manufacturer, quality practices, packaging and storage conditions together.
That gives you a more realistic comparison.
What About the BIS Mark?
This is something consumers may find confusing because a lot of older information is still available online.
From 1 January 2026, mandatory BIS certification is no longer required for packaged drinking water and mineral water. FSSAI introduced a separate testing scheme for these products, effective from the same date.
Packaged drinking water is also classified by FSSAI as a High Risk Food Category, with additional regulatory controls applying to manufacturers/processors.
So, don’t judge a bottle only by whether an old article says it “must have a BIS mark”.
The current regulatory framework places importance on food-safety compliance and testing, while IS 14543:2024 continues to provide the technical specification for packaged drinking water.
Packaged Drinking Water vs Mineral Water
These terms are often used interchangeably in everyday conversation, but they are not exactly the same category.
Packaged drinking water can come from various permitted sources and can undergo treatment processes such as filtration and reverse osmosis.
Packaged natural mineral water has its own requirements and is outside the scope of IS 14543:2024.
So when comparing products, first check what category the product actually belongs to.
A Quick Checklist Before Buying
If you don’t want to think about all the technical details every time, remember these seven checks:
✓ 1. Source
Does the manufacturer clearly explain the water source?
✓ 2. Treatment
Is there a proper purification and disinfection process?
✓ 3. Testing
Does the manufacturer follow appropriate quality-control and testing requirements?
✓ 4. Packaging
Is the bottle intact, clean and properly sealed?
✓ 5. Label
Are the manufacturer, batch, date and quantity details clearly provided?
✓ 6. Storage
Has the bottle been kept away from prolonged heat and direct sunlight?
✓ 7. Reliability
Are you buying from a recognised manufacturer and a reliable seller?
If the answer to these basic checks looks good, you’re making a much more informed purchase.
What Makes a Good Packaged Drinking Water Brand?
There isn’t one feature that makes a water brand suitable for everyone.
A good choice should give you confidence across several areas:
Reliable sourcing + appropriate purification + proper testing + hygienic packaging + responsible storage
That’s the combination consumers should look for.
For example, Kriztle states that its packaged drinking water is sourced from springs in Kerala and that it uses multiple quality-assurance and purification processes before bottling.
You can also explore the different Kriztle packaged drinking water products and available bottle sizes on its official product page.
Final Thoughts
Selecting bottled drinking water is not a difficult task.
It does not necessitate understanding of all types of tests and technologies before buying a bottle.
All that one needs to do is to go beyond the brand names.
Source, purification, testing, bottling, labeling and storage should all be considered.
In addition, price is not always an indicator of quality. What is important is whether the water is manufactured and bottled in accordance with the proper guidelines.
For those searching for packaged drinking water in Kerala, these tips will help a great deal.
The best bottled water is not always the most expensive water.