After a record heatwave parched large areas of the Yangtze basin, Chinese provinces are planning to spend billions of dollars on new water infrastructure as they try to fend off the growing impact of extreme weather on agriculture and hydropower.
The prolonged drought in southwest China has exposed the vulnerability of hydropower-dependent regions such as Sichuan to falling water levels and disrupted electricity transmission to other parts of the country.
The Ministry of Water Resources has already approved 25 big projects this year, with total investment of 1.7 trillion yuan . China has long relied on large-scale infrastructure projects to control its rivers. The giant Three Gorges Dam was designed not only to generate electricity but also to regulate the flow of the Yangtze, on which around a third of the population depends.
With around 80% of Sichuan's energy supplies coming from hydropower, the drought forced authorities to shut down industries and ration power for households. China already stores huge amounts of water in its giant reservoirs, and says they serve an important function in limiting flood damage during rainy seasons.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
US Has Cut Water Supplies for 7 States During Climate-Induced DroughtThe federal government announced that it would impose significant cutbacks in water allocations to the seven states reliant on water from the drought-stricken Colorado River.
Read more »
Mississippi's capital enters second day without running waterFrustrated residents in Mississippi's state capital faced a second day without drinking water and the prospect of long lines for bottled water handouts after a neglected treatment plant failed this week.
Read more »
Rockland County residents urged to continue conserving waterWater use is down more than 11% since restrictions were imposed on Aug. 18 because of a drought.
Read more »
Silver lining: Northeast drought benefits some businessesThere is a silver lining to the drought affecting the northeastern U.S. that has frustrated farmers, dried up rivers and reservoirs, and brought water use restrictions and brush fires to the region
Read more »
South Houghton Road widening project updatePima County Transportation Department shared an update on its South Houghton Road widening project, as crews install infrastructure for storm water drainage and separate the road from bicycle lanes.
Read more »