Water Resources

Do you know what the man-made structures are visible to the naked eye from the space? Beside the renowned Great Wall, Three Gorges Dam can also be seen.

Three Gorges Dam is the largest hydroelectric power plant in the world. Not only it can generate enormous amount of electricity that is able to support around 22.5 million households and replace around 50 million tons of coal, but it can also regulate flood water to avert flooding.

The Chinese Government highly concerns about conserving the water resources. It is because the total volume of water resources in China is not enough to support the booming population and the resources are unevenly distributed in the space, which doesn’t match the layout of the land resources and productive forces. Also, the water bodies are severely contaminated.

In order to resolve the issues, the government has taken numerous measures. For example, the Eastern and Central Routes of South-to-North Water Transfer Project along with the subsequent availability of transferred water has played a significant role in alleviating the imbalance between the water demand and supply in water-scarce northern China. Moreover, by restoring the wetlands in the Yellow River Estuary, the Yellow River is free from dry-off for 15 consecutive years. Strict regulations——the three red lines to control the water use, water use efficiency and pollution, have been implemented and the ecological water replenishment project in Zhalong Wetland has rescued the local ecology and rare species. The ecological conditions in lower stream Hei River and Tarim River basins are restored.

To significantly strengthen China’s national water security capability, China’s Five-Year National Water Security Plan has been established, including promotion of water-saving lifestyles, the construction of sponge cities, and water right trading etc.

Water is a precious resource that support all the human beings life and it is important for our national security. The demand for clean energy and water is keep increasing with the rising population and the climate crisis expected to bring about heavier, more frequent flooding. While more water conservation measures will be implemented, being a responsible citizen we should treasure it.

Geography Club
22 March 2023