Pune: Guillain-Barré Syndrome Outbreak Drives Surge in Bottled Water Demand
Pune: Guillain-Barré Syndrome Outbreak Drives Surge in Bottled Water Demand
The recent outbreak of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) has sparked widespread concern over the safety of tap water, leading to a dramatic increase in demand for bottled water in the city.
As fears of contamination and insufficient purification processes grow, many residents are opting for branded bottled water as a precautionary measure, shying away from regular tap water in pursuit of a safer and more reliable alternative.
Restaurants and food outlets have also witnessed a significant change in customer preferences. A manager at a prominent hotel said, “We’ve observed that patrons of all ages – seniors, young adults, and everyone in between – are increasingly opting for purified water or choosing to drink packed bottled water instead of regular tap water, reflecting a growing concern for water quality and safety.” The overriding concern for everyone is the safety of tap water,” he explained.
“With many households lacking water purification systems, this concern is particularly acute. As a result, demand for bottled water has skyrocketed, with around 85% of our stock flying off the shelves daily. Consumers are opting for reputable branded water as a precautionary measure, driven by uncertainty about the quality of tap water., he further said.
Restaurant owners have witnessed a dramatic surge in demand for bottled water over the past fortnight, prompting many to take proactive measures to educate customers about Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) and reinforce stringent hygiene protocols. In response to the trend, some establishments have begun offering glass-bottled water as a premium option, not only enhancing the dining experience but also promoting eco-friendliness through the use of reusable containers.
Moreover, the exorbitant cost of bottled water in some restaurants has sparked widespread frustration among diners. A striking example of this is a recent experience shared by a diner, who was shocked to discover that a glass bottle of water at a restaurant came with a staggering price tag of Rs 250 – a cost equivalent to that of a full meal. This steep price has left many wondering if the convenience of bottled water is worth the hefty expense.
The concern over tap water safety has extended beyond dining out, with people increasingly opting for bottled water in the comfort of their own homes. A store manager has witnessed this trend firsthand. “The safety of drinking water has become a top priority for everyone,” he observed. “As doubts about tap water quality grow, more and more customers are turning to bottled water for reassurance. My store caters to a diverse crowd, including students, working professionals, families, and even staff from nearby, all of whom are making the switch to bottled water.” We exclusively stock reputable brands, as they instill trust in our customers,” he explained.
He further added, “Notably, our sales have witnessed a substantial surge over the past few weeks. We receive a daily shipment of 15 packs of small water bottles, containing 12 bottles each, and remarkably, we sell nearly 210 of these bottles by day’s end. The demand for larger 1-litre bottles is even more robust, indicating a clear shift in consumer preference towards bottled water.”
Although the initial outbreak of GBS led to a decline in restaurant orders, some establishments have reported a rebound in business as awareness and caution grow.
However, diners remain discerning, exercising increased scrutiny over their orders and prioritizing health and safety above all. In particular, customers are opting for bottled water and grilling restaurants about their hygiene protocols, reflecting a heightened sense of vigilance in the wake of the GBS outbreak.
