The gossipmongers are having a ball. With most of China’s urban residents following the advice to stay at home, some have little to do but spread false rumours. Among them, that Nanjing’s drinking water may be contaminated with 19-nCoV.
Their logic is simple. Too simple. Nanjing gets much of its drinking water from the Yangtze River. So does Wuhan. Like Nanjing, Wuhan lies by the river and is upstream.
While such rumours abound, official media outlets are taking steps to dispel them. At time of writing, no less than 30 Chinese media outlets had published stories quashing the rumour. The Nanjing Daily first published the story, which was then replicated on dozens of other media platforms.
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With all Chinese media state owned, duplicating another publication’s story is commonplace and perfectly legal.
In response to the water-quality rumour, the municipal water group said, “The quality of Nanjing’s tap water is excellent. The public can rest assured that it is safe to drink”.
The rumour specifically suggested that Nanjing’s tap water need to be boiled, then placed in a covered container and left to breathe before use.
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The water group countered that it adheres to the consistent concept of high-quality water supply, strict production control, quality standards and water-quality monitoring. It emphasised that Nanjing’s water-quality indicators fully meet national standards.
As this information comes to light, it also serves to illustrate the advances China has made in its water quality. Tap water was undrinkable in most cities in China in the past. It was not uncommon for people to use boiled or bottled water for brushing their teeth.
All the media that published the story also included a timely reminder. “The water group reminds city residents not to naively believe that which circulates the internet and is not veritable news.”
