In the heart of China’s rapid urbanization and industrial growth, the quest for high-quality drinking water has become a paramount concern. Chao Zeng, a leading expert from the Key Laboratory of Urban Water Supply, Water Saving and Water Environment Governance in the Yangtze River Delta of Ministry of Water Resources at Tongji University, has shed light on the critical challenges and strategic pathways for improving municipal drinking water quality. His insights, published in the journal ‘能源环境保护’ (Energy and Environmental Protection), offer a roadmap for ensuring public health and social stability amidst the country’s development goals.
China’s drinking water supply systems have made remarkable strides over the past decade. Urban water supply coverage has reached an impressive 99.43%, and the overall water quality compliance rate has surged from 52.8% in 2009 to over 96.0% in urban areas. However, the journey to a sustainable, high-quality water supply system is fraught with challenges. Biological risks, such as chlorine-resistant microorganisms and antibiotic-resistant genes, pose significant threats. These pathogens often hide within biofilms in distribution systems, evading standard disinfection methods. “The presence of these microorganisms in our water supply systems is a silent threat,” Zeng warns. “They can thrive in biofilms, making them resistant to conventional disinfection processes.”
Emerging chemical risks, particularly per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), add another layer of complexity. Widely distributed and persistent in the environment, PFAS pose serious health risks. Conventional water treatment technologies often fall short, with some municipal plants achieving less than 20% removal efficiency. “PFAS are a growing concern,” Zeng explains. “Their widespread use and persistence in the environment make them a formidable challenge for water treatment facilities.”
Climate change exacerbates these issues, with extreme weather events like floods, droughts, and rising temperatures further straining water quality. Aging infrastructure and biofilm formation contribute to aesthetic issues such as turbidity, taste, and odor problems, complicating the quest for safe drinking water.
To tackle these multifaceted challenges, Zeng advocates for a comprehensive approach. This includes improving water quality standards, upgrading technologies, and integrating smart management practices. A whole-process water quality assurance system, encompassing the entire water supply chain from source to tap, is essential. Technological advancements like ultraviolet oxidation, activated carbon adsorption, and membrane filtration can effectively remove emerging contaminants and minimize disinfection by-products (DBPs).
Infrastructure improvements, including the use of corrosion-resistant materials and advanced pipeline cleaning techniques, are crucial. Real-time monitoring, data analytics, and machine learning technologies can facilitate proactive water quality management, ensuring that water systems adapt to dynamic challenges. “By leveraging these technologies,” Zeng says, “we can create a more resilient and efficient water supply system that meets the needs of a growing population.”
The commercial implications for the energy sector are significant. Ensuring a stable and safe water supply is vital for industrial processes, power generation, and overall economic stability. As China continues to develop, the demand for high-quality water will only increase, driving innovation and investment in water treatment technologies.
Zeng’s research not only highlights the current state of China’s drinking water industry but also paves the way for future developments. By addressing biological and chemical risks, upgrading infrastructure, and integrating smart technologies, China can achieve its goal of providing safe, high-quality drinking water to all households. This will not only improve public health but also contribute to the country’s sustainable development, setting a global benchmark for water management practices.
