As of May 16, 2026, the first phase of the eastern and middle routes of South-to-North Water Diversion Project has altogether diverted 88 billion cubic meters of water, benefiting 195 million people in 48 large and medium-sized cities across seven provincial-level regions. Water quality along the middle route has remained steadily at grade II and above, while that along the eastern route has remained stable at grade III.

The middle route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project [Photo / Xinhua]

The project has made full use of surplus water during the flood season to replenish rivers and lakes along the routes, providing over 13 billion cubic meters of ecological water replenishment. A large number of rivers and lakes, including the Hutuo River, Daqing River, and Baiyangdian Lakehave been revitalized, thanks to significant improvement of the ecological environment. Groundwater levels in north China have generally rebounded after years of decline. Provinces along the projectroutes have fully implemented the river chief system and set up a five-tier joint mechanism covering provincial, municipal, county, township, and village levels.

Original Source: People’s Daily

Journalist: Wang Hao

Translation: INTCE