China blames French utility for water pollution

Chinese authorities have blamed France's Veolia Environnement S.A. for loopholes in supervision of water quality standards, Reuters reported.

The accusation came after benzene, a cancer-inducing chemical, was found in tap water supplied by the firm at 20 times above the regulated limit in Lanzhou city. Investigators said "there were supervision problems within Veolia Water Co. related to water quality and safety," Reuters reported China National Radio as saying. Lanzhou is one the most polluted population centers in China.

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