The world’s largest North-South water transfer project

China has a big problem: The southern regions are relatively wet and water-abundant, but many northern regions are dry. The problem is made worse by the fact that about a third of the population of this billion-people country is concentrated in the dry northern regions. To solve the problem, China implemented the South-North Water Transfer Project, a technical mega-project with the goal of bringing 44.8 billion cubic meters of fresh water from the south to the north each year by 2050.

After the project started in 2014, Xiaozuo City, Henan Province, central China, became one of the typical examples of the benefits of the South-North Water Transfer Project to the local community. The city received more than 430 million cubic meters of water from Danjiangkou Lake, Hubei Province, solving local water shortages and allowing the city to transition from a coal-based economy to a sustainable, environmentally friendly model. more school.

This transformation is demonstrated through the establishment of a 10 km long green corridor along the water canal, which is both a recreational space and an important part of the local ecosystem. In addition, more than 60 million m3 of water was used for ecological restoration, benefiting the city’s water system and the surrounding environment.

To date, the South-North Water Transfer Project, the world’s largest project of its kind, has transferred a total of 76.7 billion cubic meters of water, benefiting more than 185 million people in 45 medium and large cities, according to Spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of Water Resources at a press conference on December 11. Accordingly, the project helps significantly increase the reliability of domestic and industrial water supplies in cities along the water route. In addition, water conservation and effective use in receiving areas have also improved significantly.

The South – North water transfer project includes three routes: central, east and west. The central line is 1,432 km long, starting from Danjiangkou Lake in Hubei province, passing through Henan, Hebei and then to Beijing and Tianjin. The eastern route is 1,467 km long, bringing water from the Yangtze River in Jiangsu province to places such as Shandong, Hebei, and Tianjin. Water is transported almost exclusively by gravity through a network of man-made canals.

Work on the central and eastern lines is progressing well, while initial efforts to develop the western line are also gaining momentum, according to Wang Annan, president of China North-South Water Transfer Corporation. “To build a solid and safe system, we must accelerate the development of modern water networks, while integrating scientific and technological advances,” Wang said. China’s investment in water infrastructure reached about $151.66 billion in the first 10 months of this year, supporting project progress.

Before the water transfer, Beijing had a serious water shortage when Mat Van Lake could not meet the growing needs of the city’s residents. The Chaobai River in Shunyi District, Beijing, dry for more than two decades, also revived. In 2021, water begins to flow again, demonstrating ecological recovery.

“The project has effectively improved the allocation of water resources. For example, Beijing significantly reduced its dependence on groundwater thanks to increased surface water supply from the south. In addition, water quality improved, with many areas now having class 1 and 2 water, suitable for drinking and improving ecosystem health,” explains Wang Yisen, former chief engineer of the South-North Water Transfer Project.

Technological innovation plays a key role in the project’s success. At the Baoying pumping station in Jiangsu province, an important part of the east line, the implementation of the “digital twin system” greatly increased water management efficiency. These systems enable real-time monitoring and control of water flow, reducing personnel needs and energy consumption. For example, station staffing was reduced from 12 to 6 people per shift, while operations and maintenance efficiency increased.

Wu Wenqing, head of the planning department of China’s Ministry of Water Resources, emphasized the importance of applying a systematic approach to solving problems related to water resources, water ecology, water environment and water disaster. “Increasing technological innovation and conducting in-depth research on key technologies such as smart dam construction is important. This will provide solid technical support for the successful implementation of hydro projects benefits,” Wu said.