Southwest China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region is battling cadmium water contamination. Excessive amounts of the toxic metal were detected downstream of the Longjiang River on January 26.

The Emergency Command said the concentration is falling, and will not impact the downstream watershed.

Danger easing, but not over. Cadmium levels in the Longjiang River peaked at 80 times above the standard. Now they're down to 25 times.

A spokesman for the Emergency Command, Feng Zhennian, said a general water sample analysis shows cadmium contamination has been initially put under control. This can ensure a safe water supply in Liuzhou City.

He also said Hechi City, the source of the contamination, has ordered heavy metals companies to stop production immediately. Investigation and rectification are to follow.

Seven people have been arrested on suspicion of illegal sewage dumping.

The Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Regional government has initiated a second degree environmental emergency response. On Monday, the regional Vice Chairman, Lin Nianxiu, inspected the Liuxi water facility.

Lin said, "We'll do whatever we can to make sure the Liujiang River in and around Liuzhou City reaches a safe level, and ensure a stable water supply in Liuzhou - including possibly tapping an underground water supply system as backup. We will make sure the tap water coming from the municipal water facility becomes safe to consume."

For now, bottled water is going fast at local supermarkets. And Liuzhou residents have expressed confidence in the local government.

Someone said, "The water supply is safe, and so is the drinking water. If the water supply is contaminated, the local government will warn us, and we will stop using it immediately."

Sources said that in case of emergency, Liuzhou City can provide 35-thousand tons of underground water per day, ensuring basic water services.

(CNTV.cn January 31, 2012)