China’s mega water diversion project transforms lives and boosts development bringing social, economic and environmental benefits.
The South-to-North Water Diversion Project has proven that bringing water from distant regions is not only possible but also beneficial, defying the Chinese proverb, “distant water cannot quench present thirst.”
This enormous project is the world’s largest of its kind, channeling water from the south to the north, where water scarcity was once a critical issue. The conceptual planning for this project began in the 1950s, with the middle and eastern routes beginning operations in late 2014. In the past decade, the project has diverted 76.7 billion cubic meters of water, serving 45 cities and 185 million people across northern China.
Wang Daoxi, the Vice Minister of Water Resources, highlighted the project’s success in improving China’s water distribution and creating economic, social, and ecological benefits.
With three main routes, the project spans four major river basins, including the Yangtze, Huaihe, Yellow, and Haihe rivers. Beijing receives most of its drinking water via the middle route, starting from Danjiangkou Reservoir, over 1,000 kilometers away, passing under the Yellow River.
Approximately 80% of Beijing’s water is supplied by the middle route, a 15-day journey from Danjiangkou. The project has significantly improved life in Hebei, providing clean water to areas previously suffering from high fluoride levels that caused health issues. More than five million people in Hebei now enjoy access to clean water, overcoming the challenges posed by bitter, salty groundwater.
The project has contributed to GDP growth of over 16 trillion yuan and has boosted agriculture in regions lacking water. In Shandong, the project supports grain production, and in Baofeng County, Henan, it aids the local vinegar industry. The project has also helped restore ecosystems by providing 11.8 billion cubic meters of water to replenish northern China’s groundwater.
The Grand Canal, which had been dry for decades, has seen water flowing through it again for the third year in a row, improving connectivity. It is the world’s longest artificial waterway and has a history of over 2,500 years and was crucial for ancient transportation.
The authorities along the route have emphasized pollution control and water protection, ensuring environmental sustainability for the project. The water quality along the eastern route is Grade III, while the middle route achieves a higher Grade II rating.
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