Polluted waters threaten health and livelihoods in Xiao River basin.
The Xiao River basin's water is polluted mainly by sewage and industry waste, causing serious water quality issues. Analysis of surface water near the river shows high pollution levels, with excess ammonia, oxygen demand, and phenol. Underground water quality varies from acceptable to poor, with high levels of total hardness and dissolved solids. This indicates that groundwater is being influenced by contaminated surface water seeping through.