Updated: November 26, 2020 5:28:00 pm
Burning tap water goes viral in China.
A video from China that appears to show water catching fire when a lighter is approached is being widely shared on social media.
Filmed in the Liaoning region of northeast China, the video shows a person lighting the flame of a lighter near water coming out of a tap. When the flame gets close to the water, the water appears to burn.
The Chinese state media outlet People’s Daily shared the video, saying that the unusual event was “caused by the infiltration of natural gas due to a temporary failure of the groundwater supply system, which is now closed.” The report said the problem was resolved, normal water services resumed and an investigation was launched.
Some neighbors claimed that it was not an isolated case. Some have complained that they have been living with this problem since about 2018. One resident said his home had fizzy and “oily” running water for “three or four years,” Chinese media reports said.
“After we wash, there always seems to be a layer of oil stuck to our hands,” a woman identified as Wen told China Central Television (CCTV).
Local residents say that despite numerous complaints, they have not received clear answers from authorities.
According to a CGTN report, the head of the local water service station in the city admitted there were problems, but did not want to take any responsibility for them.
After the video went viral, a broader investigation into liability and causes began.
“Due to a small amount of natural gas seeping into the water layer, the natural gas was carried to the ground during the water extraction process,” the local government said in a statement.
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