China’s South-to-North Water Diversion Project Transfers Over 90 Billion Cubic Meters of Water

Dragon Media News Desk

The first phase of China’s South-to-North Water Diversion Project has transferred a cumulative total of more than 90 billion cubic meters of water through its eastern and middle routes as of Monday, marking a new milestone for the world’s largest water diversion initiative.

According to the Ministry of Water Resources and China South-to-North Water Diversion Corporation Ltd., the middle route has diverted more than 80.05 billion cubic meters of water, while the eastern route has transferred over 9.95 billion cubic meters.

Since the first phase of the eastern and middle routes became fully operational in 2014, the project has provided a stable and high-quality water supply to 48 major cities, benefiting around 195 million people.

The project has also played an important role in ecological restoration. More than 13.1 billion cubic meters of water have been diverted for ecological replenishment to over 50 rivers along the two routes.

As a major backbone of China’s national water network, the South-to-North Water Diversion Project continues to play an increasingly important role in improving the allocation of water resources, ensuring drinking-water security, restoring river and lake ecosystems, and supporting economic development.

China is accelerating efforts to develop six major infrastructure networks, with water networks identified as a top priority. As the main framework of the national water network continues to expand and improve, the broader economic, social and ecological benefits of the project are expected to increase further.