Biratnagar, July 24

Water industries were found to be using soda in processed drinking water to increase’ its PH level in Biratnagar.

A monitoring team form Province 1 Social Development Ministry found water industries were using sodium bicarbonate to balance the acid/base level in water processed by them.

Following the finding after inspection, the ministry issued a directive to improve water quality pronto.

PH level in water processed by most water industries in Biratnagar is below the range set by the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control.

The standard PH level range is 6 to 8.5.

Deputy Secretary Gopi Prasad Ghimire at the Ministry of Social Development said the monitoring team had found Mountain Water Industries, Hamro Prayash Water Industry and Sital Industry to be using soda in processed water.

According to Ghimire, regular consumption of water processed with soda causes abdominal problems. “We have directed the concerned industries not to use soda,” Ghimire added.