Polluted water affects 300,000 in Central China

(chinadaily.com.cn) Updated: 2014-04-24 16:50

A man pushes a shopping trolley offloaded with bottled water at a supermarket in Wuhan, Central China's Hubei province, April 24. Residents rushed to buy bottled water after tests showed the Wuhan section of the Hanjiang River, a major tributary of the Yangtze River, contained excessive amounts of ammonia-nitrogen. Two major suppliers in the city suspended production on Wednesday, affecting more than 300,000 people. [Photo / icpress.cn]

Local residents rushed to buy bottled water in Wuhan, capital of Central China's Hubei province on Thursday, after

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.

two tap water suppliers suspended production due to river contamination.

Tests showed the Wuhan section of the Hanjiang River, a major tributary of the Yangtze River, contained excessive amounts of ammonia-nitrogen.

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, affecting more than 300,000 users.

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.