China is highlighting its dedication to protecting the natural world through a series of articles. Liuzhou, located in South China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, has achieved a significant milestone by topping the national list for best water quality for five consecutive years.
The 2024 water quality assessment classified Liuzhou's waters as Class I and II in certain areas. This designation indicates that the water is suitable for supporting rare aquatic species, serving as spawning grounds for fish and shrimp, providing feeding grounds for juvenile fish, and even as a potential source for drinking water.
However, the city's environmental situation was not always so positive. Liuzhou, once a major regional industrial center, experienced significant pollution due to its economic development. The presence of over 3,000 enterprises in industries like steel, auto manufacturing, and machinery resulted in industrial runoff that often contaminated the city's waterways.
Faced with deteriorating water quality and environmental damage, the Liuzhou government made a crucial decision two decades ago to redirect the development path of its traditional industrial base. This shift was essential to address the pollution that had plagued the city.
The Liujiang River, the largest river in Liuzhou, flows through densely populated residential areas. Previously, the city discharged untreated household wastewater directly into the river. To combat this, the local government has taken measures to intercept all sewage pipes along the riverbanks.
The city has eliminated all domestic wastewater outlets along the river. Additionally, the Zhu'e Creek, a major tributary of the Liujiang River, was also a source of pollution. The city worked to control this pollution source by intercepting sewage pipes and diverting wastewater to treatment plants.
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