Water shortage: a serious problem in sustainable development of China

Water crises have occurred in more than 400 cities in China at the beginnin g of 2000. Investigation and statistical data suggest that there are five m ain problems in the management and utilization of water resources in China. These are (1) insufficient capacity and inhomogeneous space-time distribut ion of natural resources, (2) outdated construction of water conservancy pr ojects and supply engineering, (3) unreasonable industrial water consumptio n, (4) increased water pollution and (5) incomplete management of the river basin and waterworks in city. It is necessary to take steps corresponding to the above-mentioned reasons to mitigate and even dispel the pressure on water resources for sustainable development of China as quickly as possible .