The water quality of rivers and lakes at the junction of Shanghai, as well as Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces, has significantly improved in recent years. [Photo/Shanghai Observer]
The water quality of rivers and lakes at the junction of Shanghai, as well as Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces, has significantly improved in recent years, according to a news conference on the planning, action, and joint river-lake governance for the water conservancy held recently by the executive committee of the demonstration zone of green and integrated ecological development of the Yangtze River Delta.
The districts of Qingpu in Shanghai, Wujiang in Jiangsu, and Jiashan county in Zhejiang have successfully implemented integrated plans for water supply and drainage, resulting in a healthy water ecosystem. The water quality of the One River and Three Lakes — Taipu River, Dianshan Lake, Yuandang Lake, and Fenhu Lake — has exceeded the 2025 target.
The Special Plan for Water Supply and Drainage (2021-35) in the Demonstration Zone of Green and Integrated Ecological Development of the Yangtze River Delta was released during the conference. By 2035, the demonstration zone will establish a safe, high-quality, efficient, ecological, green, and low-carbon water supply and drainage system that matches its target positioning, according to the plan.
The plan to improve water infrastructure in the demonstration zone is divided into three parts: water supply, sewage, and rainwater. By 2035, the goal is to achieve an integrated model of network, quality, and service. The water supply system will be structured into "one network, three areas, nine factories, and 10 rings". This means that the water supply will be interconnected with major water supply zones in Qingpu, Wujiang, and Jiashan, and there will be nine central water plants in the demonstration zone and 10 main water supply pipelines for efficient conveying and distribution.
The joint river-lake governance standard, consisting of four chapters and 44 articles, was also issued during the event. As of the end of 2022, the demonstration zone has established the joint river-lake governance of 47 cross-border rivers and lakes.
