The South-to-North Water Diversion Project, a monumental infrastructure initiative, has marked a decade of operation since its full operation in 2014, fundamentally reshaping water distribution across China.

Launched to address the uneven water distribution between China's resource-rich south and the water-scarce north, the eastern and middle routes of the project have transported over 76 billion cubic meters of water from the Yangtze River Basin to northern regions to date.

The project, the biggest of its kind in the world, has enabled China to take a leap toward achieving a comprehensive water network, envisioned as "four horizontal and three vertical lines," for optimized national water distribution. This network now supports over 40 major cities, providing high-quality drinking water to more than 185 million people across areas that include Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei and Shandong.

A lifeline of water reaching the north

The project's infrastructure spans thousands of kilometres. The eastern route begins in Jiangsu province, pumping water northward through an extensive network of pipelines and canals. The middle route, beginning at the Danjiangkou Reservoir in Hubei province, crosses the Yellow River and serves major northern plains.

This transformative project does more than quench the population's thirst; it provides a stable water source that mitigates risks associated with high-fluoride and saline water, especially in regions like Hebei's Heilonggang Basin. Residents who once relied on mineral-laden groundwater are now benefiting from "southern water" with better quality and taste.

These achievements highlight the project's far-reaching impact on improving the quality of life and sustaining growing urban centers.

Advancing ecological resilience

The South-to-North Water Diversion Project has not only brought water but has also ushered in a new era of ecological and environmental protection.

From the source at Danjiangkou Reservoir to various transfer stations, the project has implemented a robust water-quality monitoring system, ensuring that water reaches its destination in an optimal state.

By adhering to a strategy of "pollution control before water diversion" and "environmental protection first," local authorities and communities along the route actively participate in water source protection. This community involvement is crucial to sustaining high water quality, with Danjiangkou consistently maintaining a Class II rating — water suitable for drinking after appropriate cleaning.

The eastern route has also seen remarkable improvements in environmental conditions. The previously polluted Nansi Lake, a major transit lake on the eastern route, has undergone substantial ecological restoration, transforming it from an algae-dominated lake to a clean water source, now supporting various bird species. Meanwhile, water drawn from this route is regularly monitored at over 36 critical points.

In addition to supplying safe drinking water, this clean water flow is helping revive ecosystems in dried-up rivers, lakes, and wetlands. The project's commitment to ecological protection has turned these water channels into lifelines, not just for cities but for regional biodiversity as well.

A foundation for balanced national growth

The South-to-North Water Diversion Project is more than a public utility; it is a strategic resource for balanced development across China. Its infrastructure ensures water access for critical regions like the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei cluster and the Xiong'an New Area, facilitating regional collaboration and economic growth.

It also bolsters food supply by supporting agricultural productivity in water-scarce provinces. In Shandong, for example, the steady water supply has enhanced grain production and, with improved irrigation, supported specialty industries such as vinegar production in Henan's Baofeng county.

Beyond agriculture, the water transfer project promotes efficient resource distribution, optimizing water availability for energy bases, economic zones, and urban centers.

It facilitates smoother connections within the domestic economy, illustrated by improved shipping conditions along the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal. Enhanced water flow supports year-round navigation, allowing ships carrying thousands of tons of cargo to operate continuously between northern ports and the Yangtze River. This logistical improvement reduces the economic burden of water shortages, enhancing the efficiency of China's north-south economic circulation.

As China continues its modernization efforts, the South-to-North Water Diversion Project stands as a testament to the nation's capacity for engineering innovation and strategic planning.

With future phases underway, including plans to enhance the middle route's capacity and initiate the western route planning, China's water network will further strengthen, supporting the nation's journey toward becoming a strong, prosperous, and ecologically balanced country and ensuring a sustainable future for all.