Following the “stinky water” incident in Hangzhou, recently, it has been exposed that Jiangan Reservoir, a primary emergency source of drinking water in Zhengzhou, has become a “natural bathing spot” for swimmers, with some even taking their dogs for a swim, sparking concerns.
Several viral videos show that as early as 2022, citizens have been swimming in the Jiangan Reservoir, which is surrounded by fences and warning signs such as “No Swimming” and “Protection of Water Source.” However, some of the fences have been damaged, allowing people to easily enter and exit. There are also some video bloggers providing instructions to internet users on how to access the reservoir and divert water into it.
According to a report by Dahe Daily, on July 19th around 5 pm, there were numerous wild swimmers on the shore and in the water in the midsection of the Jiangan Reservoir. Some citizens were playing in the water with their children, and there were even individuals bringing their pet dogs into the water for a swim. Even around 7 pm that day, there were still citizens engaging in wild swimming.
One citizen at the scene who was swimming with a child stated that the water here is clean and the environment is good, making it more comfortable than swimming pools. Residents nearby mentioned that after the isolation net is repaired, it is often deliberately damaged. Although patrol boats are present, once they leave, wild swimmers return.
Jiangan Reservoir has become a well-known summer “check-in spot” for Zhengzhou residents. However, it is reported that the Jiangan Reservoir is a key flood control reservoir in the country and also serves as a primary emergency source of drinking water to safeguard the city’s water supply safety.
According to a video blogger, in 2000, Jiangan Reservoir was designated as a primary emergency source of drinking water in Zhengzhou and provided over 50% of the residents’ domestic water supply before the South-to-North Water Diversion Project.
Public data shows that the surface area of Jiangan Reservoir is over 7,500 acres, and the water depth within the primary protection zone of the reservoir varies greatly: the water depth in the front of the dam ranges from 17 to 20 meters, and the water depth in areas around Zhengdeng Expressway Houzhai Bridge, Louhe River, and Shumu Park reaches 8 to 12 meters. The underwater environment is complex, posing a high risk of drowning.
Regarding individuals swimming in the reservoir, the person in charge of the Jiangan Reservoir Operation Center stated on July 21st that the center only has the power to advise and lacks enforcement authority, with the enforcement body being the ecological environment department. Currently, the reservoir area is patrolled in two shifts during the morning and afternoon, but it cannot be monitored 24 hours a day.
On July 16th, in several neighborhoods of Yuhang District, Hangzhou, the tap water turned yellow and emitted a foul smell resembling “sewage.” A circulated police report attributed to “Liangzhu Police Station of Yuhang Sub-bureau” revealed that a senior official of Hangzhou Water Group, Liu, “expressed strong dissatisfaction with the chairman of the group on September 23, 2024, leading to a retaliatory mindset,” and “discharged sewage into 13 waterways in the main urban area.” On July 19th, official statements claimed that the unusual odor was due to volatile sulfur compounds produced by anaerobic decomposition of algae, but this failed to quell public opinion, sparking further skepticism. Currently, the authorities are suppressing the dissemination of related information and have started making arrests.
Amid the widespread attention on the “stinky water” incident in Hangzhou, news of Zhengzhou’s primary drinking water source turning into a “natural bathing spot” has once again sparked attention online. Netizens couldn’t help but express their dismay, stating, “Even the most basic drinking water is not safe anymore,” “If someone drowns, this water source will be ruined,” “Is it necessary to add your foot odor and body waste to this water before it’s suitable for drinking?” “Which water is cleaner, this one or the water in the Hangzhou Yuhang area’s tap?” “Why are water-related issues popping up so frequently recently?”
Prior reports: Lin Congwen
Stinky tap water in multiple neighborhoods in Hangzhou, criticized water utility company’s report
Hangzhou officials claim tap water odor is caused by algae, netizens question again