Objective  To master the treatment of an emergent styrene pollution in drinking water and provide a basis for the treatment of similar emergent events.

Method  Analyzing and reviewing the investigation data and following up the treatment of an incident on styrene pollution of water source.

Results  The monitoring data were provided by the department of health, environmental protection, water affairs and other relevant departments; and the concentration of pollutants were reduced rapidly by control measures taken by local government, department of water affairs, safety supervision and other departments. Measures of removing potential pollutants in water purification and distribution system were taken by waterworks. The progress of the event was released in time by the government through public media to clear the panic mood of residents. The pollution accident was then under control.

Conclusion  The consequence of the water pollution accident was serious. When working out an emergency package for an accidental event, the health of people must be taken into account; and cutting water supply should be considered immediately when necessary. Upgrading water source protection and the technology for water treatment system was the fundamental way of preventing water pollution incidents.