Most heating companies in Shenyang, capital of Liaoning province, are suffering severe water losses as residents siphon water from radiators to mop their floors, wash clothes or even take a bath.

To deter such activity, companies have added a chemical agent with an unpleasant odor.

"We lost 245 metric tons of hot water one day, valued at nearly 3,000 yuan ($500). Losing water equals losing money," said Shen Zhiqiang, director of Shenyang Huisheng Heating Co's heat transfer station in Taishan community.

However, the odor has raised a stink.

"I can understand the company wanting to save money, but the smell is very strong. I also worry if the chemicals they put in the water are harmful," said Dong Yue, a resident of Taishan community.

Dong almost fainted due to the pungent smell when he opened the radiator valve at home to bleed it to let trapped oxygen escape, hoping to make the radiator hotter.

Zhou Yong used to like getting hot water from radiators at home.

"I know it's not good. But it's hard to resist the temptation of free hot water. I used the water to wash clothes in winter. Now I can't use it. The smell is terrible," Zhou said.

Huisheng is not the only company suffering hot water loss.

According to Shenyang Huitian Heating Thermal Power Co, one of the city's largest heating service providers, loss of hot water is commonplace.

"It's a recurring headache for all heating companies. In order to ensure the heating system works smoothly, we have to add water again and again. But this is cold water, which means heating will be reduced. It's a vicious circle," said Liu Ying, head of the company's information office.

"Moreover, it's really hard for us to check who is stealing water because residents can bleed water at their homes," she added.

"The chemical is not cheap. It usually costs over 200 yuan a kilogram. However, if we don't spend the money, we will pay more for the lost water.''

Companies also monitor pipeline pressure to check the specific areas where water is being taken. Once an area is located, they warn residents or suspend heating services.

Yu Hong, secretary general of Liaoning Urban Heating Association, called for supervision to be enhanced.

"It's better to let people know it not a 'free lunch'. Stealing water will be punished. Also, we are soliciting public advice on how to avoid hot water loss."

liuce@chinadaily.com.cn