China looking for solutions to groundwater depletion

Excessive groundwater exploration in villages in the North China Plain has led to serious ground depressions, which are threatening local building safety and agricultural production.

70% of all groundwater is used for irrigation in the North China Plain. But local authorities want to cut nearly 90% of consumption within five years. And they say shutting down motor-pumping wells is the first step.

"Within marked overdraft regions, we are shutting down as many motor-pumping wells as possible. We are also putting groundwater exploration under strict restrictions. Drilling new wells other than for residential supplies will be forbidden." Zhang Baoquan, vice-inspector of Water Resource Dept., Hebei Prov., said.

Cangzhou city is above what's called a "depression cone". It's formed when groundwater is pumped from a well and leaves a potentially dangerous cavity below. But after shutting down motor pumps across the region, officials say they are now on firmer ground.

"By controlling the groundwater level, we can contain ground depressions, which have now gone from 60 to 80 millimeters to 12 millimeters. It means our prevention measures actually work." Tian Xiaowei, deputy director of 4th Hydro-Geology & Eng. Geology Team, said.

With less water being pumped, local government have taken new measures to encourage farmers to reduce their consumption.

"For every unit less we use to water the farmland, we get thirty cents in subsidies." Wang Zhanyang, head of Su Liu Village, Hengshui City, said.

85% of farmers in Su Liu village now receive subsidies. Many have even switched to crops that require less water, such as cotton and peanuts.

"It is a good thing to let the market do the job, to encourage farmers to willingly save water. In the meantime, this doesn't add any extra burden on them." Zhang said.

Preserving groundwater is easier said than done. Local governments must balance the needs of farmers with those of the environment. And China has yet to catch up with most developed countries in areas such the use of modern irrigation methods. So while strides have been made, there remains a long way to go.