A Disgusting Odor Like Decaying Rats or Snails Detected
"Water Quality Has Returned to Normal, but Thorough Flushing Is Required"
An unpleasant odor was detected in tap water in some areas of Yuhang District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China, prompting residents to stockpile bottled water.
On July 17, Chinese local media Jimu News reported, "Residents began stockpiling water after tap water emitted a disgusting smell reminiscent of decaying rats or snails, and the water appeared grayish." The report added, "It is believed that the odor is due to changes in the water source, but the exact cause is still under investigation."
A resident of Liangzhu in Yuhang District, Hangzhou, told Jimu News in an interview, "While preparing dinner last night, I smelled the foul odor, felt nauseous, and ultimately gave up cooking." The resident said they rushed to a supermarket to buy bottled water, but it was already sold out. This resident purchased 150 yuan (approximately 29,000 won) worth of water and explained that other residents were also traveling to nearby areas to buy water.
Another resident noticed a strange smell from the tap water while washing their hands. The resident said, "The odor lingered on my hands and was unbearable," and reported purchasing bottled water. Residents are concerned about the cause of the foul odor in the tap water and whether it poses any health risks.
The Yuhang Water Supply Office in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China, announced through a notice that complaints had been received the previous day regarding a foul odor in tap water in some areas, and that the water source supply had been switched. The notice also stated that water quality had returned to normal.
However, the office advised that some areas may still have stagnant water, so residents should thoroughly flush the water inside their pipes before use. The office added, "The fee for the discharged tap water will be reduced."
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