A Shanghai woman has suffered liver damage after unknowingly consuming wastewater from her home water purifier for five years. Ms. Li, who has experienced health issues such as irregular periods and frequent diarrhea, recently learned that the purifier had been improperly installed, causing it to deliver contaminated water instead of clean filtered water. The issue was discovered when Ms. Li used a water quality tester and found alarming results. The purifier, which had been installed by Xiaomi in 2020, was discharging wastewater instead of purified water.
What Happened
Ms. Li, a resident of Shanghai, had installed a Xiaomi water purifier in September 2020, trusting it to provide clean, safe drinking water. However, for the past five years, she had been unknowingly drinking water that was far from pure. Recently, after suffering from various health issues, including persistent diarrhea and abnormal test results, she purchased a “water quality pen” to test the purifier’s water. The results shocked her—she discovered that the water from her purifier had an unusually high Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) level of 607 mg/L, more than twice the level of her region’s tap water, which was only 321 mg/L.
The Root Cause
The high TDS levels indicated that the water was not properly filtered, leading Ms. Li to investigate further. Upon calling a technician, she learned that the purifier had been installed incorrectly. The technician discovered that two pipes had been mixed up during the initial installation, meaning the purified water had been flowing into the sewer, while wastewater, which contains concentrated chemicals and contaminants, was what Ms. Li had been drinking for five years.
Health Consequences
As Ms. Li continued to consume the contaminated water, her health began to deteriorate. She experienced frequent gastrointestinal problems and abnormal results in her health check-ups. Most concerning was her liver, which showed signs of damage. While she couldn’t immediately prove the connection between the contaminated water and her health issues, she suspected that the chemicals in the wastewater had harmed her liver and overall well-being.
Xiaomi’s Response
Xiaomi, the manufacturer of the water purifier, has acknowledged the issue and offered to refund Ms. Li the full price of the device. However, Ms. Li rejected the settlement offer. She is now seeking medical evidence to confirm that the installation error was the direct cause of her health problems. Xiaomi has promised to replace the filter element in the water purifier and is currently debating how to handle the situation further. According to a company representative, the employee who originally installed the purifier has since left the company and cannot be reached for comment.
What Experts Say
Experts warn that improperly installed water filtration systems can lead to serious health risks. Water purifiers are designed to remove harmful substances like bacteria, heavy metals, and chemicals. When these systems are installed incorrectly, they can end up contaminating the water instead of purifying it. High levels of TDS can indicate the presence of harmful chemicals, which can lead to long-term health problems like liver damage, gastrointestinal issues, and other chronic conditions.
The Bigger Picture
This case highlights a broader issue of consumer safety and the importance of proper installation for home appliances, especially those related to water filtration. With increasing concerns about water quality and contamination, many consumers rely on purifiers to ensure clean drinking water. However, as this case shows, even reputable brands like Xiaomi can have issues if the installation process isn’t handled properly.
Ms. Li’s case serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with faulty home appliances. While Xiaomi has acknowledged the problem and offered a refund, the long-term health effects of consuming contaminated water cannot be undone. As Ms. Li seeks medical proof of the connection between her liver damage and the faulty purifier, her story serves as a cautionary tale for anyone relying on water filtration systems.
