15 days after excessive levels of cadmium were detected in the Longjiang River, the battle to protect the water supply of Liuzhou City has yielded some progress. CCTV reporter Lv Yao reports from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on how the contamination is now under control.

15 days after excessive levels of cadmium were detected in the Longjiang River, the battle to protect the water supply of Liuzhou City has yielded some progress.

A tough battle is going on along the upstream of the Liujiang River. These workers are the soldiers in controlling cadmium levels in the Longjiang River, to prevent contamination downstream.

Nie Huiqun, deputy commander of Emergency Response Team, said, "We have worked along the Longjiang River for more than ten days, dumping polyaluminum chloride into the contaminated river. The chemical substance is harmful to the respiratory system and eyes. It's a tough battle, but we are determined to fight until the cadmium levels are back to normal. "

Some of the team fell sick, but they chose to return to front line after being discharged from hospital. This young man is one of them.

Peng Di, firefighter, said, "I feel it is my obligation to stay and fight for the people of Liuzhou. I'm proud of what I am doing. "

Environmental crisis experts say the intense chemical measures are effective. And controlling the water volume of the Longjiang River by various hydroelectricity plants ensures that no large amount of contaminated water immediately gets into the Liujiang.

Professor Zhang Xiaojian from Tsinghua University, said, "We do not think the contamination case will get worse. It's under control by a comprehensive method. We are confident that the level of cadmium will not exceed twice the national standard along the Liujiang River. Right now, the municipal water facility is well-prepared for cadmium. Even in the worst case scenario, the entire drinking water supply would be safe."

But it will take some time to clear the contamination completely. So ensuring a normal life for Liuzhou residents is a top priority.

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