Stricter water resource rules on the way: State Council

(Ecns.cn)—China's State Council, or Cabinet, pledged to push for the country's tightest water resource control system ever in a Regulatory Opinion issued on Thursday.

The written notice comes as the country faces increasing problems such as water shortages, serious river pollution and deteriorating aquatic ecology.

According to the document, China must control its yearly national water consumption to less than 700 billion cubic meters by 2030, an indication that the country is gearing up for international water use standards.

Water consumption for each 100,000 yuan (US$15,864) of industrial added value would be lowered to 40 cubic meters, while the irrigation ratio factor would be increased to 0.6 and the qualification rate for functional water supply areas would be set above 95%, the notice said.

To achieve the ambitious goal, water consumption in different watersheds and regions will come under tighter management. Meanwhile, water-use licenses will get harder to obtain, compensation for using water will rise and dispatch of groundwater will be further integrated.

High-tech water conservation projects will also be launched, and the quantity of pollutants emitted into rivers and lakes are to be limited to better protect water resources. Moreover, an inspection system to hold individuals accountable for water consumption and pollution will also be set up, warned the notice.