A couple in China faced six months of drinking wastewater that flowed through their home tap after a plumber’s mistake, a case now driving a compensation demand. The incident has sparked questions about safety, responsibility, and the costs of outdated or negligent plumbing work.
Media reports indicate the couple started suspecting trouble when promises to shut off the water failed to materialize. While the man, identified by the surname Tang, attempted to diagnose the issue, he noticed a troubling anomaly: the water meter did not register any flow when the tap was turned on, a clue that something was seriously amiss beyond a simple plumbing fault.
Further investigation revealed that the water issuing from the apartment’s tap was not clean water but gray water from other residents, a mix of waste from washing machines, showers, and sinks. The couple admits they drank this tainted liquid for six months without realizing the danger. Over time, both spouses began to experience recurring health issues, baffled by the sudden decline in their well-being and unsure of the cause behind their illnesses.
Experts who examined the scene found an additional pipe linking the wastewater drain directly to the home’s water supply. Tan, a key observer in the case, believes this configuration was likely an unintended consequence of a plumber during a renovation, a mistake that could have compromised multiple households beyond this one couple.
The couple took their complaint to the court, seeking compensation from the company that rented the flat to them. The rental firm acknowledged that repairs had occurred, but they insisted that the work had been carried out by homeowners who were not affiliated with the rental company, raising questions about liability and oversight in property management.
In the broader context, this troubling episode underscores the importance of rigorous plumbing inspections, clear separation of wastewater and potable water systems, and transparent accountability among landlords, contractors, and residents to prevent similar hazards in the future. It also highlights how health problems tied to contaminated water can emerge gradually, challenging residents to connect symptoms with home infrastructure rather than external factors. Instances like these remind communities to prioritize safe water practices and prompt, well-documented fix processes to restore trust and safety in housing environments. [Source: Asian One reporting on the case and subsequent investigations]