Flip a Coin and Drink

This past Monday, an expose in the Beijing Times quoted an unnamed manager from an unnamed “major water company” as estimating that 50% of all bottled water is fake. What this Beijing Deep Throat meant is that your local shuizhan may be pouring either tap water or lesser-quality bottled water into brand-name water machine containers that you implicitly trust. The motive is understandable: legitimately-bottled containers from reputable brands cost the supplier upwards of RMB 6, whereas a bottle of “fake” or sub-standard water only costs RMB 3, allowing for a far greater profit margin.

The government has responded that they are launching an inquiry into the situation, and reassured the press that a survey last May had indicated that 96% of Beijing water supplies were safe. In the meanwhile, we suggest that you abstain from all bottled or tap water and exclusively drink Pocari Sweat.

Links and Sources
Beijing Times: 暗访桶装水市场黑幕：水站老板靠卖假水生财
ABC News: Fake Drinking Water Hits Beijing
China Daily: Water Coolers Use 50% Fake Products