Recently, several netizens reported that the tap water flowing from the faucet in Taocun Town, Qixia City, Yantai, Shandong Province, was black like “ink” and had a foul smell.
Water is the source of life and a necessity for people’s survival. However, in mainland China, incidents of tap water pollution occur frequently. Previously, there was a commotion over foul-smelling tap water in Hangzhou, followed by tap water turning into sludge in several communities in Rizhao, Shandong.
On the night of August 23 to 24, several netizens in Taocun Town, Qixia City, Shandong, took to social media to report issues with tap water. Videos showed black water flowing from the tap, resembling ink and reminiscent of water from a sewage ditch.
On August 24, a staff member in Taocun Town stated that a pipe had broken on the evening of August 23, and the water plant was undergoing repairs. They claimed it was not water contamination and that the water supply would resume around 8:30 PM.
Subsequently, at 11:22 PM on August 23, the public account “In Taocun” released a notice from the water company. The announcement stated that due to a sudden rupture of the water plant’s pipes, some residents experienced turbid tap water. Repairs were underway, with normal water supply expected to be restored around 8 PM on the 24th.
In response to the official statement that the turbidity was caused by a pipe rupture, the public expressed dissatisfaction. Some netizens questioned how a pipe rupture could result in tap water resembling ink pouring out, emphasizing that water flows from high to low, casting doubt on the explanation provided by authorities.
A resident of Shandong, Yang Jie (pseudonym), expressed profound disappointment in the Chinese government, stating that the government neglects the well-being of the people by providing contaminated food and foul water, considering it a normal occurrence.
Another resident, Li Qi (pseudonym), criticized the lack of government concern for food and water safety, highlighting the indifferent attitude of Communist Party officials and their failure to address these issues over the years.
Li Qi emphasized that officials prioritize managing the people rather than serving them, only showing concern when disasters affect them personally. The lack of attention and action from officials reflects a disregard for the well-being of the populace.
A mainland resident, Gu Wei (pseudonym), remarked that the structure of the Communist Party system prioritizes maintaining privileges for the elite, neglecting the basic needs of the people. He pointed out the disparity in food quality and safety between officials, who consume specially provided food, and ordinary citizens.
Gu Wei highlighted the dire living conditions faced by residents, where even water tanks contain dead mice, reflecting a lack of security and dignity in daily life.
This incident is not isolated. Previously, several communities in Wulian County, Rizhao, experienced muddy water flowing from taps on July 23, with an official explanation attributing the abnormal water quality to “drought causing water source depletion,” along with sediment and algae entering the water supply system, exacerbating the turbidity. Residents resorted to purchasing bottled water for daily use.
On July 16, parts of Yuhang District in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, encountered abnormal odors in tap water. Residents complained online about a foul smell resembling “dead mice” or “rotten snails,” along with discolored water. The issue was hastily resolved by offering a discount on the water bill for that month to all users.