Shenzhen is experiencing the worst water supply shortage since its establishment in 1979 as the Dongjiang River, the city’s main water supply source, is facing the worst drought since 1963.
Facing pressures from reduced water supply and increased consumption, the city’s water affairs bureau has taken multiple measures including reducing water pressure to avoid further water loss from leaks. However, this measure will affect water use experience in high-rise buildings, bureau officials said.
The Donjiang River is experiencing its worst drought since 1963, with its three reservoirs’ water storage having 55 percent less on average than in previous years.
Shenzhen initiated a Level-IV emergency response to fight against drought Nov. 17 and has called on the public to conserve water use. In contrast, the city’s demand for water kept rising, with tap water supply expected to reach 1.94 billion cubic meters this year, 150 million cubic meters more than 2020 and an increase of 9.3 percent.
The water affairs bureau estimated that the city is facing a shortage of 1 million cubic meters of water a day during the winter-spring period. Half of the shortage could be filled through local reservoirs, while the rest could be made through water conservation, officials said.
Public institutions and enterprises that consume large amounts of water are encouraged to conserve and recycle water use. Water used for landscaping and road cleaning can be 100 percent replaced by recycled water collected from rivers and temporary recycled water collection sites.