From BBC NEWS: The major Chinese city of Harbin is facing four days without water because of an unexpected mains stoppage.
The announcement that water supplies would be cut off from Tuesday has sparked panic-buying of bottled water and other drinks at local supermarkets.
There is confusion over why the authorities are cutting off the water.
Xinhua agency cited fears it had been contaminated by a chemical blast, but the China Daily quoted the government as saying it was for mains maintenance.
See also: The Crisis in Harbin on EastSouthWestNorth blog.
