The water quality of China's major rivers registered improvement in April compared with the March report, said the State Environmental Protection Administration (SEPA) of China in Beijing Monday.

SEPA's report on the water quality of major Chinese rivers, lakes and reservoirs covers 188 rivers belonging to the seven major water systems and 23 key lakes and reservoirs throughout the country.

SEPA issued China's first monthly report in March with the objective of preventing water pollution and improving environmental management.

According to the report, both the Pearl and Yangtze Rivers recorded better water quality in April, while the water quality of the Yellow River remains poor.

Compared with lakes, large reservoirs have better water quality, the report indicates.

(Xinhua News Agency May 19, 2003)