Summary of Key Points
The Ministry of Ecology and Environment announced that the goals of the "14th Five-Year Plan" for water quality protection have been fully achieved: The proportion of water bodies in Class III (good quality) across the country has increased for ten consecutive years, reaching 91.4% by 2025, with only 0.6% being in Class V (poor quality). The water quality in river basins such as the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers has improved alongside economic development. During the main flood season, a proactive approach of "early identification, early investigation, and early rectification" is adopted to address fluctuations in water quality. The assessment for the "15th Five-Year Plan" will shift from focusing on a single water quality indicator to a comprehensive evaluation of the proportion of water bodies in good condition. Additionally, five major initiatives have been deployed to address water pollution issues near people's homes, with the goal of ensuring that the water at their doorsteps is free from discoloration, odor, and foreign substances.
I. The "14th Five-Year Plan" for Water Quality Protection: A Decade of Improvements
In simple terms, the quality of our surface water has been improving for ten consecutive years. By 2025, the proportion of water bodies in Classes I to III (suitable for drinking and swimming) will account for 91.4%, with almost no water in Class V (poor quality), representing the best level ever recorded.
Take two of China's major rivers as examples: The GDP contribution of the Yangtze River Economic Belt has increased from 42.2% to 47.3% in the past decade, indicating greater economic development, while the proportion of good-quality water has risen from 67% to over 90%. There is virtually no more water in Class V in the main tributaries of the Yellow River, indicating a brighter ecological outlook.
This improvement is the result of substantial efforts: A total of 590,000 kilometers of river and lake shores and 491,000 pollution outlets have been inspected nationwide, with 95% of the main streams in seven major river basins having undergone remediation. More than 2,800 wastewater treatment facilities have been built along the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers in over 1,900 industrial parks. The number of black and odorous water bodies in prefecture-level cities has been significantly reduced, and in county-level cities, the elimination rate exceeds 90%.
II. Proactive Measures During the Main Flood Season
During the flood season from June to September, water quality can deteriorate rapidly due to the release of pollutants accumulated during the dry season. To mitigate this, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment has adopted a three-pronged approach:
- Early identification: Identifying areas with poor water quality and high risk of algal blooms (such as blue-green algae) from previous years.
- Early investigation: Using satellite technology, drones, and monitoring platforms to thoroughly inspect pollution outlets, industrial parks, and wastewater treatment plants before the flood season.
- Early rectification: Promptly identifying and addressing issues, determining responsibilities, and preventing pollutants from entering rivers and lakes.
III. Upgraded Assessment for the "15th Five-Year Plan": From a Single Indicator to a Comprehensive Evaluation
The previous assessment focused solely on the proportion of water in Class III. The new plan will evaluate the proportion of water bodies in good condition more comprehensively, considering not only chemical indicators (presence of pollutants) but also the aquatic ecosystem (such as the presence of fish and vegetation). This is similar to a comprehensive health check-up.
The reason for this change is twofold: first, the current water quality foundation is better, so we need to move towards more advanced ecological protection; second, it encourages local authorities to address not only wastewater treatment but also ecological preservation; third, it draws on best international practices.
IV. Five Major Initiatives to Address Water Pollution Near People's Homes
Previously, efforts focused mainly on large rivers. Now, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment is working with multiple departments to implement five key initiatives:
1. Remediation of industrial park water pollution: Controlling industrial wastewater.
2. Treatment of black and odorous water bodies in counties and towns: Addressing small-scale issues in rural areas.
3. Integrated management of livestock and poultry manure: Preventing the unauthorized discharge of waste from farms.
4. Management of rural rivers, lakes, and reservoirs: Protecting small water bodies in rural areas.
5. Inspection and remediation of small water bodies: Ensuring that even small ponds and ditches near homes are free from pollution.
The goals are clear: to make these water bodies free from discoloration, odor, and foreign substances. This is achieved by addressing pollution sources at the source (industrial, domestic, agricultural) and strengthening monitoring and enforcement. The focus is on making production and daily life more environmentally friendly, as well as expanding the monitoring network to cover smaller water bodies.
Conclusion
The water quality protection efforts have not only improved the quality of major rivers but also addressed pollution in smaller water bodies near residents. The new assessment criteria are more comprehensive, and the response during the flood season is more proactive. Our water ecosystem is evolving from simply meeting standards to achieving better overall health.