Photo: VCG

 

Hangzhou authorities in East China's Zhejiang Province released detailed investigation results on Wednesday on the unusual odor in the tap water in some subdistricts of Yuhang district in Hangzhou, holding seven officials strictly accountable.

Hangzhou established a joint investigation team to conduct in-depth investigations into the issues of negligence and dereliction of duty found in relevant departments and individuals. The seven officials held accountable include the deputy head of Yuhang district, head of the housing and urban-rural development department in Yuhang, head of Hangzhou Yuhang Water Holding Group Co., Ltd and head of Hangzhou Yuhang Water Production Co., Ltd.

The statement said the unusual odor in the water supply was caused by a combination of factors including climate, environment, and hydrodynamic conditions.

Upon investigation, the thioether compounds detected in the water samples are a type of organic sulfur compound that can produce garlic, swamp and putrid odors even at low concentrations in water. 

Regarding the public concerns over the tap water appearing "yellowish" or "cloudy," the statement said it was due to sudden changes in the direction and speed of water flow in iron water supply pipes, which scoured the pipe walls and caused rust layers to fall off, resulting in "yellowish" or "cloudy" water.

Hangzhou authorities extended deep apology for the impact this incident has caused to the public's daily life and production, vowing to establish a thorough water management mechanism from the source to the tap to ensure the safety of drinking water for the public.

Global Times