Compared with Europe and North America, China has surged ahead in water industry development in recent years, said International Water Association president Michael J. Rouse in a recent Guangming Daily interview. At its current rate of development, China's water industry would certainly soon become one of the world's largest, he predicted.

The IWA's sixth biennial meeting will be held in Beijing in 2006, announced Rouse, who traveled to China to check personally on preparations for the event.

Rouse has dedicated his life to water. Currently an independent consultant on drinking water quality regulation, he served as chief inspector of the UK's Drinking Water Inspectorate from 1993 to 2003 and played an important role in British policy-making, quality supervision and management of water. Rouse previously worked for Britain's Water Research Center, including nine years as managing director. He became president of the IWA in April 2003.

Rouse pointed out that water shortages are a serious problem around the globe and one that even many developed countries must address. China has a large population and a dearth of water, he noted. Its main problems are a general lack of awareness of the need to protect water resources, and the water industry monopoly.

Systemic and historical factors, such as contradictory policies resulting from conflicting departmental interests, have had a strong adverse impact on the efficiency of China's water management.

In his opinion, China must first break up the monopoly and establish a unified, consistent plan. Second, it must improve related organizations and mechanisms and consolidate authority. China should establish a top-down water supervision system, said Rouse.

Water recycling can reduce costs while benefiting the environment and contributing to sustainable development, Rouse stated. The government should encourage it.

Water industry reform needs participation and support from the public as well as from government and industry, he said.

China's economic growth in the past years has created an enormous water market. Rouse pointed out that the development of the country's water industry is shadowing its overall economic development.

A wide range of industrial chains stand to benefit from this growth, from water safety and quality to pipe and faucet manufacturing. By 2020, Rouse forecasts, the Chinese water market will be valued at US$1 trillion.

(China.org.cn by Li Jingrong, February 26, 2004)