Water

Rapid economic development and population growth are putting severe pressure on water resources in the People’s Republic of China. The losses caused by flooding amount to 1 percent of gross domestic product every year. Yet, overall, the country is short of water resources. Lakes and rivers are drying up, and two out of three cities do not have enough water. Eighty percent of lakes and rivers in urban areas have been badly polluted, threatening the safety of water supplies.

China’s Water Challenge looks at three examples of the country’s commitment to developing its water sector in Shanghai, Gansu province, and the Yellow River basin. Major investments are being made in rural and urban water services as well as in river basin management to save water, protect against floods, clean up pollution, and provide safe drinking water.

• Water Champion Suo Lisheng on Overcoming Water Challenges in the People’s Republic of China: Floods, Droughts, Pollution and Erosion
• People's Republic of China Water Action: Integrated Solutions for Integrated Water Problems
• Water for All News: Overcoming Water Challenges in the People's Republic of China