Water diversion project replenishes rivers along the route

Two engineers monitor the water replenishment process in Duanqi River in Henan province. [Photo/China.org.cn]

The central route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project brought 120 million cubic meters of water to replenish 17 rivers from Aug. 6 to 20.

The replenishment was requested by the water resources departments of Hebei and Henan provinces, diverting water from the flood areas to Yanling River, Bai River, Suo River, Jiayu River, and others along the central route.

This was the third such water replenishment effort for regions along the central route, addressing problems relating to over-exploration of groundwater in north China by using the flood resources in the Danjiangkou Reservoir in central China's Hubei province, according to the water resources authorities.

The authorities reported that the replenishment has been going smoothly and ensuring water supply to regions along the route.

Over the last two years, the central route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project had brought 1.16 billion cubic meters of water to replenish 30 rivers, greatly improving water quality and groundwater levels.

Since last September, water authorities have launched a pilot program through the central route to address over-exploration of groundwater in north China by replenishing three rivers-Hutuo River, Fuyang River, and Nanjuma River-in Hebei province, restoring bodies of water covering 40 square kilometers.