China's Water Resources Management: A Long March to Sustainability

Description

This book investigates water resources management and policy in China over the last two decades with a core focus on the role of water for socioeconomic development and sustainability. Recent policies, such as the Three Red Lines and the Water Ten Plan are evaluated for sustainable water supply, use and quality control. The book appraises solutions through demand management, water rights and pollution trading, virtual water and water footprint. Supply management is discussed taking examples from the Three Gorges Dam and the South North Water Transfer Project. The water market is investigated uncovering the active engagement of the private sector and includes discussions on how transboundary rivers demonstrate China’s engagement with its riparian countries for benefit sharing. This book will be an invaluable reference for researchers in the field as well as practitioners and students who have an interest in water and development in China. Acknowledgments Contents List of Figures List of Tables 1 Introduction Background Purpose and Scope of the Book Major Issues Structure of the Book References 2 Water and Development Introduction Water and Sustainable Development Water for Economic Growth Water for Social Development and Ecosystems Conclusion References 3 Overview of Water Resources Introduction Water Resources Total Water Resources and Climate Uniqueness of Water Resources in China Groundwater Resources Rivers Lakes Water Supply Water Use Water Quality Overall Situation Major Polluting Sources Flood and Drought Flood Drought Climate Change Impacts Conclusion References 4 Water Plan and Governance System Introduction Plans Three Red Lines 2011 Water Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan 2015 (Water Ten Plan) Governance Structure River Basin Management: Seven River Basin Commissions Laws and Regulations Environmental Protection Law 1989 and 2015 Environment Impact Assessment Law 2002 Environmental Protection Tax Law 2018 Water Law 1988 and 2002 Water and Soil Conservation Law 1991 and 2010 Water Pollution Prevention and Control Law 1984, 1996, 2008, and 2018 Flood Control Law 1997 Fisheries Law 1986 and Grassland Law 1985 Conclusion References 5 Sustainable Water Use Introduction Water Shortage Water Pricing Water Rights Trading Virtual Water and Water Footprint Conclusion References 6 Water Quality Management Introduction General Framework Ecological Red Lines 2016 Conventional Programs River (Lake) Chief System Water Pollution Trading Case Study: Tai Lake Algae Incident in 2007 Conclusion References 7 Water Resources Development Introduction Dam Development Development of Large Dams Three Gorges Dam Water Transfer Projects Water Transfer Projects in China The South North Water Transfer Project Eastern Route Middle Route Western Route Further Implications Conclusion References 8 Water and Wastewater Service Market Introduction Development of Water and Wastewater Service Market Governance Structure and Regulatory Frameworks Primary Policy Drivers Legal and Regulatory Settings Reshuffling of Organizations Market Analyses Market Situations Modes of Water and Wastewater PPP Projects in China Major Players Implications Challenges Opportunities Conclusion References 9 Transboundary Rivers Introduction Transboundary Rivers in China Water Diplomacy Strategies of China China and the 1997 UN Water Convention and Its Transboundary River Cases Case Study: The Lancang-Mekong River Basin Complex River System with the Primary Interest, Hydropower The Era of the Mekong River Commission from 1995 to 2015 Emergence of the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Since 2015 Conclusion References 10 Conclusion References Index