Since 2000, 26 measures designed to save water in Beijing have been remarkably successful. The city has surpassed its water-saving target by 77 million cubic meters and recently increased its water capacity store by about 40.42 million cubic meters. The total amount of water saved reached 120 million cubic meters this year.

The 26 measures implemented to save water were designed to alleviate current water shortages in Beijing, covering all aspects from development and utilization, to protection and management of water resources.

Beijing has completed some major projects, including technical improvement of the Jingmi flood diversion canal, the building of 19,000 water conservation projects and the installation of 55,000 water meters at motor-pump wells in rural areas. The city has also issued policies to regulate the use of water in activities like car washing, bathing and purified water manufacturing.

(China.org.cn by Zhao Meng, December 4, 2002)