Zhuhai city in southern China was hit by a rise in salinity of its tap water on Tuesday and local residents were advised to turn to bottled water for drinking.

 

The salinity level rose up to 800 mg/l but the World Health Organization defines the standard level for drinking water as 250 mg/l, according to the city's administration on water resources.

 

The tap water crisis caused by Xijiang River's intake of sea water may last till mid-March, experts said.

 

The city in Guangdong Province ordered gardeners and cleaners to use water treated by sewage treatment plants. It also banned the operation of car washes and commercial bath houses to save water during the crisis.

 

Local residents were advised by the bureau of public health to use bottled water for drinking and cooking.

 

The city's water supply relies on the Xijiang River, which originates in Guangdong and has long been enduring the salinity crisis caused by the intake of sea water during the winter season.

 

(Xinhua News Agency February 23, 2006)