Fears over ‘carcinogenic tap water’ drive buying spree By Jung Da-min Discount stores and convenience stores in Daegu are enjoying brisk sales of bottled water, after harmful chemicals were found in the city’s tap water, according to retailers Monday.
The sales of bottled water soared last week, a spokesman at E-mart, the country’s biggest discount chain, said.
"Sales of bottled water in E-mart’s six stores in Daegu increased by 509 percent Friday and Saturday from a year ago," he said.
Convenience stores are also enjoying increased sales of bottled water.
"Our convenience stores in Daegu saw sales of bottled water jump 97 percent last weekend, compared to the previous week," a CU spokesman said.
"We will do everything we can to ensure a stable supply."
The ministry said on Friday it took corrective measures and the level of PFHxS at the plant was 0.092 micrograms per liter on June 20.
Residents have been lining up at local stores to buy bottled water.
Local restaurants have also been receiving customer inquiries on whether they are using water from Nakdong River, the source for the filtration and sewage treatment plants where chemicals have been found.
"I have been receiving inquiries on water," a local restaurant owner said through a mobile food delivery application on Saturday.