Guangdong town warns residents not to drink tap water

The 10,000 residents of Da’an town in Guangdong province have been told not to drink tap water after tests showed it was contaminated by manganese, AP reported. Tests of the town’s water supply found that levels of the heavy metal were 12 times higher than the government safety level, which allows 0.1 milligrams per liter. Heavy metals are often used during industrial processes that can be toxic to human health. Chronic exposure can cause neurological problems, including hallucinations, forgetfulness and nerve damage. Emergency notices were posted in the town on Tuesday, warning residents not to drink tap water until further notice. The investigation for the cause of the contamination is still under way, local officials said. Environmental pollution in China has risen in recent years as the country’s economic development races forward.