The latest monitoring figures have shown a sharp decline of cadmium levels in the Longjiang river, in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The drop follows growing fears over the toxic metal substance which was detected in the river two weeks ago.

An employee collects water samples from the polluted Longjiang River on a boat in Liuzhou, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region January 30, 2012.

The peak concentration of cadmium, has dropped from 80 times above the national standard to 25 times, while the river's most polluted section lies over 100 kilometers away from Liuzhou city. Authorities have assured residents that the distance is long enough to ensure safe water for the city's residents as clean-up efforts continue.

Life goes on as tap water safety is guaranteed in Liuzhou. Residents have been kept up to date on the latest monitoring data, which has been released by local authorities every two hours.

Backup water sources have been re-directed for daily use.

"We've noticed that underground water has been tapped by local authorities, so we feel secure about tap water quality."

Local authorities have tested the water supply capabilities of underground water pipes, and pipe routes have also been adjusted for emergency cases.

Officials say that around 30,000 tons of water is sufficient for the city's water consumption.

Zhen Weiqiang, official of Liuzhou section, Nanning Railway Bureau, said, "We have connected pipes of the city's tap water plants and those oriented for railway operation. The backup water is ready to be transmitted into the city's water plants once there is an emergency."

Meanwhile the cadmium concentration in Liujiang River is declining, as clean up workers continue to pour tons of neutralisers into the polluted river while conducting quality tests, in hopes of dissolving the toxic substance.

Feng Zhennian, spokesperson of Emergency Command Center, Longjiang River Pollution, said, "The pollutants are under control according to our monitoring data, they will be curbed in the Longjiang section, which poses no threat to Liujang's water quality. The water safety in Liuzhou city is guaranteed."

Seven people have been detained on the suspicion of illegally discharging industrial waste. In order to prevent further contamination from other potential sources, environmental authorities have ordered that production be suspended at all seven heavy metal plants located upstream.

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