Chinese official loses job over water pollution

A Chinese politician has reportedly lost his job over water pollution in the country's northern Hebei Province.

China.org.cn reported that Deng Lianjun, secretary of the leading Party group of Cangxian County's Environmental Protection Bureau, was relieved of his position earlier this month, according to the CPC Committee of Cangxian County.

The dismissal followed TV appearances from Mr Deng, who claimed that signs of discoloration in the liquid of a northern village did not necessarily need preventative steps for water pollution.

In Xiaozhuzhuang Village in the region, wells had become filled with red water. However, Mr Deng said that this did not necessarily mean it was not fit to consume.

He told a local journalist: "Some water appears red because there are red materials in it. For example, if you put a handful of red beans into water, the water will turn red, and if you cook rice with red beans, the rice will also become red."

After the response was broadcast on television and the internet, there was outcry across the country. Mr Deng subsequently left his role.

Villagers have suggested the water pollution could have seeped underground from the Jianxin Chemical Plant, which is located nearby.

The plant has documentation that shows it is within its discharge allowances and an official from the facility has said water near the plant meets standards.

China has been heavily criticised for its record on pollution, with high levels of air and water contaminants being recorded in industrialised areas.

Meanwhile, a water company in Northern Ireland has been fined for contamination incidents in the Co Down area, after sewage leaked from treatment plans and harmed wildlife in the area.