In China, tap water is undrinkable before it is boiled. A side effect of rapid urbanization, water pollution levels can be extremely high and varied. For example, the most common pollutants in the drinking water of Shanghai include bacteria, chlorine, lead, and toxic heavy metals. Lead and other heavy metals come from corroding pipes. The bacterium comes from improper dumping of sewage and other biological contamination. Attempts at treating this bacteria result in high amounts of chlorine being added to the water. However, this chlorine reacts with biological matter and can lead to byproducts that increase the risk of cancer.
As an alternative to tap water, bottled water is sold and offered almost everywhere, but it’s not enough. People still have to shower, and studies have shown that people absorb more toxic byproducts of chlorine through one ten minute shower than by drinking four liters of unfiltered water. If taking a hot shower, the warm water opens pores and increases the rate of absorption of chemicals through the skin. Additionally, any steam inhaled sends the contaminants straight to the lungs. Unlike ingested contaminants, which are partially filtered by the liver and kidneys, inhaled contaminants directly enter the bloodstream. Water filters for single households are manufactured and sold by private companies, but these are often too expensive for many families.
The problem of water pollution is a national one, and China is working to address it. Laws applying to the water can be found in many places. The Marine Environment Protection Law of the People’s Republic of China applies to internal waters as well as those beyond the coast, with Article 4 stating that “All units and individuals shall have the obligation to protect the marine environment and have the right to watch for and report on actions causing pollution damages to the marine environment by any unit and individual”. Another is the Law of the People’s Republic of China on the Prevention and Control of Environmental Pollution by Solid Waste, which forbids the construction of facilities for storage or destruction of industrial waste by drinking water sources.
Perhaps most important is the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Prevention and Control of Water Pollution. Solely dedicated to the issue of water pollution, it contains a host of articles regarding supervision, penalties, and definitions. Under this law, “Any unit or individual that has suffered losses directly from a water pollution hazard shall have the right to claim damages from and demand the elimination of the hazard by the polluter.” Given the fact that everyone who showers in tap water is being harmed, this is an excellent law. However, it also appears difficult to enforce; with so much illegal dumping, finding the culprit could be impossible.
China is working towards the reduction of water pollution, and it’s not alone in the endeavor. A partnership between two Nevada-based environmental research institutions and the Hohai University will focus on managing the toxic algae blooms in Lake Taihu. These algae blooms are a result of runoff from fertilizers used in agriculture and household cleaning chemicals, and has left millions without clean water. Similar partnerships are continually established between China and other countries, not only for the benefit of China and its people, but those of similarly polluted countries as well. If such partnerships continue, along with the observation and enforcement of the law, China’s water situation will vastly improve. Until that time, drink bottled water while keeping the showers cool and short.