In recent years, Tongzhou district in Nantong, Jiangsu province has been pulling out all the stops to improve the local water environment and decided to test out some new measures on several polluted watercourses.

The district has implemented a variety of measures to improve watercourses, including improving sewage systems, blocking off factory sewage outlets to watercourses, cleaning up pollutants, and renovating the surrounding environment.

In addition, an integrated handling and supervision system has been set up to allow for information sharing and cooperation among all sub-districts and towns throughout Tongzhou. The district has also removed a number of unapproved construction projects near major watercourses.

A river is cleaned in Tongzhou district. [Photo/ntfabu.com]

"This river was once seriously polluted and nearby factories even discharged sewage into the river. But we can now enjoy its beauty without dealing with any disgusting smells," said a resident who lives near the Shengli River, one of the watercourses being tested.

The Bajiaoting River used to lack proper self-cleaning equipment, but its water quality has now been greatly improved due to the installation of an integrated biological filter. According to data retrieved over a six-month period, locals are satisfied with the regulations being done on the river.

Liuqiao town in Tongzhou district has removed a total of 44 illegal buildings covering a total area of 2,500 square meters located near rivers, and has built 1,500 meters of riverbank along watercourses.