China Water: June 12, 2008: Water supply problems in quake area.

http://www.cctv.com/english/20080612/105484.shtml

Water observation beefs up in quake zone
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Source: CCTV.com | 06-12-2008 15:14
Special Report: Strong quake jolts SW China

The water level continues to drop in the Tangjiashan quake lake in southwest China's Sichuan province. That's bringing some peace of mind for many local residents. But the huge run-off from the quake lake is bringing new challenges for the millions of people in the area.

The huge run-off from the quake lake is bringing new challenges for the millions of people in the area.

Fujiang River serves as a major source of drinking water for millions of residents in Mianyang. But its water is turning increasingly muddy.

Ma Daofu, chief of Mianyang Environmental Protection Bureau, said, "The huge drainage from the quake lake, land slides and submerged villages are all contributing to the volume of mud flowing into the Fujiang River."

As an emergency safety precaution, the local government stopped retrieving water from the Fujiang River on Tuesday. That's the day Chinese authorities declared a "decisive victory" in the drainage of the Tangjiashan quake lake. About two thirds of the quake's 250-million-cubic-meter volume has been discharged.

Since then, the entire city is relying on reserve water. This provides nearly 40,000 cubic meters per day. But that accounts for less than half of the city's daily water needs.

Ye Jianhong, gengeral manager of Mianyang Water Co., LTD., said, "To reach people in the areas lacking water, we have to rely on vehicles. The rationed water supply is delivered on a regular schedule."

Meanwhile, water quality is frequently monitored in the region. Water samples are taken every four hours from dozens of observatory spots along the river.

A water quality inspector said, "It's clearing up, and better than yesterday."

A systems manager at a local water factory says water filtration work will get underway in the area as soon as the Fujiang River meets required drinking water standards.


Editor:Zhang Ning