According to a new regulation issued by the Beijing Municipal Water-Saving Office last week, a water quota will be imposed on hotels, factories, shops, government offices and other units.

Those whose water usage surpasses the quota may be charged a fee as high as two to five times the regular rate.

Under the regulation, a quota of 100 liters of water per capita for public bathrooms, 8 liters per car wash, and 1 ton annually per square meter of public grassland will be applied.

The quota for every industry was determined after comprehensive research and investigation and will meet the basic demand of most work units, said an official with the office.

"Washing men's hair usually needs 6 to 8 liters of water and about 11 liters for women," said a barber shop assistant.

"On average, an amount of 20 liters is just about enough for each person," he said. "Putting the quota there helps warn us to save water. After all, we do not want to face a water shortage."

Authorities are discussing how to calculate the number of customers barber shops, public bathrooms, carwashes and other work units generally receive.

"The number of customers varies every month and is different for each barber," said the owner of a barber shop. " I hope supervisors will charge the water fee fairly and openly."

The regulation also suggests a monthly usage of 3.5 tons of water per person for urban residents. The Water-Saving Office urges residents to follow the standard, but a quota will not be imposed on their usage.

Prices are expected to play a key role in motivating people to conserve water. By the year of 2005, the water fee will probably be double that of the current level both for residents and for industries.

"We hope that Beijingers will become more and more aware that saving water is the responsibility of every resident and every industry,'' the official said.

(China Daily November 20, 2001)