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Plan tackles water crisis
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BY 2010, seawater, rather than precious fresh water, will be used in Shenzhen's toilets, a move which is expected to reduce the city's growing water usage.
An array of measures to tackle water shortages and cut usage have been suggested in the Plan for Shenzhen's Water Savings in 2010. First, recycled sewage will be utilized to water plants and clean roads. Secondly, seawater will be used in local toilets and for fire fighting, a system which will be tried first in Yantian District. Besides mid-term and long-term planning for saving water, the ouline places special emphasis on the new laws required to take action.
The plan has been submitted to the municipal planning committee for appraisal and approval.
Though prosperous, Shenzhen is one of the seven most water-starved cities in China. By 2010, the city is forecast to suffer severe water shortages, with a projected shortfall as high as 846 million cubic metres of water, unless something is done immediately to economize, according to the plan. Put another way, the city will not be able to afford the extra of 2.5 million tonnes of water needed for everyday use.
The demand for water of the city in 2010 is expected to hit 2.105 billion cubic metres each year.
(Alfred Zhang)
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