Shanghai hit by salinity crisis
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2006-02-07 09:02

China's financial center of Shanghai was hit by its first salinity crisis this year - but tap water remained safe, the municipal water authorities announced on Monday.

The water sample taken at the metropolis' drinking water intake spot at Chenhang reservoir in the Yangtze River Delta revealed a chloride concentration of over 250 mg per liter of water, which is above the recommended water salinity level.

Reservoirs supplying water to the coastal city had made early preparations for the salinity disaster by maintaining high water levels in January. So far, tap water is still safe.

Shanghai's daily water consumption reached 6.83 million cubic meters during the Spring Festival, a little lower than the typical amount since many local residents traveled and industrial production slowed down during the week-long Spring Festival holiday.

The reduction in water consumption has helped ease the pressure of water supply during the salinity crisis, reported the water authorities.