The toxic scare in Tai Lake that has already caused widespread panic has not yet been stopped and is actually spreading, AFP reported, citing state media. Referring to satellite pictures, scientists said that the blue-green, foul-smelling algae was still infecting Tai Lake, near the city of Wuxi in Jiangsu province, and has expanded and into Chao Lake in Anhui province. Algae was said to cover 40 square kilometers of Chao Lake's surface and a government official described the situation as "grave," adding that water quality was being tested "by the hour." Last week's algal bloom in Lake Tai, which meant tap water in the nearby city of Wuxi had to be turned off amid contamination fears, prompted responses at the highest level. Premier Wen Jiabao called it a pollution "wake-up call." According to government figures, 70% of China's waterways and 90% of its underground water are contaminated by pollution.