Snow-melting agent contaminates water in Guangdong

Environment

18 February 2008

Snowstorm victims in northern Guangdong province now face a lack of potable water after a snow-melting agent used on roadways contaminated water supplies, the South China Morning Post reported, citing state media. About 10,000 residents of Shaogun city are affected by the drinking water shortage. In dealing with the snow, authorities ordered that 600,000 tons of a melting agent containing industrial salt be put on the roadways. Runoff from the melting snow has now entered the area's drinking water, and villagers have said food cooked in the salty water has caused vomiting and fevers. Officials have denied reports of pollution.

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