The World - News from Jan. 14, 1988

Oil that leaked from a factory into a tributary of the Moscow River has tainted the Soviet capital’s water supply, prompting some Western embassies to bring in extra bottled water for their employees. Soviet press reports did not identify the type of oil but said it was detected a week ago and has mostly affected water supplies in southern and southwest Moscow. Although the water smells offensive, it is not dangerous, an official of the city water system told the newspaper Lenin’s Banner. Residents say the water is yellowish and smells of gasoline or kerosene.