Polluted water affects 300,000 in Central China

Updated: 2014-04-24 11:16

(chinadaily.com.cn)

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More than 300,000 people were affected by an excess level of ammonia-nitrogen in tap water in Wuhan, capital of Central China's Hubei province on Wednesday.

Introduction to Wuhan

Wuhan, capital of Central China's Hubei province, is the largest city in central China and among the top 10 megacities nationwide. It has long been an economic, industrial and transportation hub for both the region and country.  

Emergency measures were taken to ensure water quality in the city that has a population of 10.22 million.

Two major suppliers - the Baihezui and Yushidun water plants - suspended production at around 4 pm and 7 pm respectively, after tests showed the Wuhan section of the Hanjiang River, a major tributary of the Yangtze River, contained excessive amounts of ammonia-nitrogen.

Local government said "disqualified water" from the two waterworks was stopped before entering the city's central water supply network. As of 9 pm, supplies in the city had been up to standard, a government statement said.

Local departments are testing river water every hour, while environmental protection bureaus at provincial and city levels are investigating the source of the pollution.