Water conservation measures and achievements in Hangzhou


Water-saving irrigation (Hao 2021)

The Hangzhou government has always spared no effort in conserving water and achieving water sustainability. According to the Hangzhou Water Conservation Implementation Plan (2020), there are three main water-saving measures being used:

  • Dynamic water price adjustment for household water. The price of water for urban residents is regulated in a smart way so that water usage that exceeds a certain range is gradually increased in price and consumption can be restricted during shortages.
  • Tiered recycling of industrial water. The government facilitated water-sharing contracts between companies to encourage the recycling of industrial water and the construction of related infrastructure.
  • Water-efficient irrigation in agriculture. The government has subsidised rural areas to build efficient irrigation facilities in farming districts.

These measures have delivered good outcomes, resulting in a decreased annual combined water consumption of 243.8 cubic metres per capita in 2021 compared to 249.4 cubic metres in 2020 (Hangzhou Water Resources Bulletin 2020-2021).

The most significant factor that enables Hangzhou to be successful in saving water would be the government's leading and proactive intervention. The government's efforts are required to promote inter-company water recycling, subsidise agricultural infrastructure and provide education on water conservation to individuals. It is difficult to drive city-wide improvements relying simply on businesses, communities and unofficial organisations. Government involvement is therefore essential in almost all sustainable urban strategies and there is a need to focus on the role of government and keep it at the forefront of the strategy throughout the process.

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