Greener north

Major water plants in Beijing have used the supply from the water diversion project in addition to that from Miyun Reservoir in the northeast of the city to provide tap water.

Zhang Ying, a resident in Daxing District, southern Beijing, said local people had to buy purified water for drinking in the past, because of excessive levels of scale-formation in tap water.

"Now the tap water has become clearer and the flow has become bigger," she said.

According to the Beijing Water Authority, the supply of the water diversion project has replenished rivers and lakes.

"The ecological environment around the Miyun Reservoir has been greatly improved, and the species of aquatic animals and plants have increased substantially," said Liu Dagen, director of the reservoir management office.

The water diversion project has also promoted the ecological protection and green development in the source area and along the routes.

In Xichuan County, 380 polluting companies have been shut down to ensure the safety of the water source for the diversion project. The county has invested more than 600 million yuan ($93.24 billion) in the treatment of industrial waste. Catering, fishing and animal husbandry business have been banned in reservoir and river areas.

There are 13 automatic water quality monitoring stations along the middle route. Underwater robots are widely used for monitoring aquatic organism and sediment levels, and checking water gates.

Trees are planted within 100 meters on both sides of the diversion canal in Henan, meandering about 640 km. The afforestation along the canal has formed an ecological zone for water conservation. A section of the canal-side green belt in Jiaozuo city, Henan, has recently been opened as a public eco-park.

Meanwhile, the country has been increasing the awareness of water conservation among citizens.

Zhao Tan, director of the water-saving office of the Beijing Water Authority, said despite the water replenished by the water diversion project, the capital still faces severe water shortage, with the per capita available water resources at about 150 cubic meters.

He said the city has basically realized the collection and treatment of sewage in urban areas. Recycled water has become an indispensable water source in the capital city.