Polluted water affects 300,000 in Central China

More than 300,000 people were affected by an excess level of ammonia-nitrogen in tap water in Wuhan, capital of Central China's Hubei province on Wednesday.

Emergency measures were taken to ensure water quality in the city that has a population of 10.22 million.

Two major suppliers - the Baihezui and Yushidun water plants - suspended production at around 4 pm and 7 pm respectively, after tests showed the Wuhan section of the Hanjiang River, a major tributary of the Yangtze River, contained excessive amounts of ammonia-nitrogen.

Local government said "disqualified water" from the two waterworks was stopped before entering the city's central water supply network. As of 9 pm, supplies in the city had been up to standard, a government statement said.

Local departments are testing river water every hour, while environmental protection bureaus at provincial and city levels are investigating the source of the pollution.