The plant in Jiamusi, which is the second largest city in China affected by the spill, was shut down Friday as the chemicals made their way throughout the poisoned river. The spill unleashed toxins into the Songhua River, disrupting water supplies to millions living on water from the river, including Russian cities.
China's chief environmental regulator resigned Friday, taking full responsibility for the spill. Jiamusi has access to deep wells that gather water from below contaminated areas, so the city will still be able to supply residents with drinking water.
However, villagers in nearby regions must cease relying on the river, at least for now, for a host of day-to-day needs. Since the spill, the Chinese government has acted quickly, shipping thousands of bottles of water to Jiamusi and other communities along the river, according to the Associated Press.
The official Xinhua News Agency in China reports that the city's No. 7 Water Plant "has been closed due to the possible contamination of the water supplies" and that the plant is responsible for close to 80 percent of the city's drinking water.
