Two former chemical plant operators detained after well water turns red in Baoding

Two former chemical plant operators have been detained, and nine irrigation wells have been sealed after authorities in Baoding, Hebei province, traced the source of groundwater contamination that turned well water red and exceeded safety standards.

According to the city’s ecology and environment bureau on Wednesday, nine of 17 irrigation wells sampled in three villages failed to meet the national quality standards for farmland irrigation. The primary pollutants were chemical oxygen demand and chloride. In the most affected well, COD levels were 5.5 times above the limit, while chloride reached 3.2 times the standard. All tested heavy metals met safety requirements.

Experts have preliminarily linked the red discoloration to dye-related substances. National monitoring agencies have taken further samples and are conducting targeted analyse to identify the specific compounds, it added.

Local authorities in Lixian county have sealed the affected wells and adjusted irrigation plans to ensure stable agricultural production. Samples of wheat and corn from last year have been sent to professional institutes under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs for testing, according to the statement.

Drinking water in nearby villages, supplied by the South-to-North Water Diversion Project, has been regularly tested and meets all standards.

Investigators reviewed 28 industrial enterprises within a 5-kilometer radius and found no current illegal wastewater discharge. However, two former chemical plants, both previously engaged in dye production before switching to rubber processing, were identified as the likely pollution sources through satellite imagery, soil disturbance analysis, geological radar and water fingerprinting.

Law enforcement authorities have taken compulsory measures against the legal representatives of the two companies. A disciplinary review has also been launched to hold relevant officials accountable.

The joint investigation team said it will, under the guidance of national and provincial authorities and experts, formulate a remediation plan, push forward rectification measures, and strengthen enforcement against violations to ensure the safety of public water supplies, according to the statement.