It is emphasized in the publication of the Ministry of Water Resources (MWR) - Target for Establishing National Water-saving Society during the 11th Five-Year Plan Period that China should reduce its water use per 10,000 Yuan GDP by 20 % till 2010.

According to the statistics, China’ water use per 10,000 Yuan GDP in 2004 is 399 m³, which is four times of the world average and 8 times of that of the US or other developed countries. The value added of industries generated by water use per 10,000 Yuan in 2004 is 196 m³, and reuse ratio of industrial water is about 60% to 65%. Comparatively, the value added of industries generated by water use per 10,000 Yuan in the developed countries is below 50 m³, and reuse ratio of industrial water is from 80% to 85%.

There are great potentials for water saving by increasing water reuse or recycling, said Mr. Wang Shucheng, Minister of Water Resources.

Vice Minister Hu Siyi said that the establishment of water-saving society has entered crucial stage in the 11th Five-Year Plan period (2006-2010). China will establish 100 pilots in the whole country, and summarize experience for extension. Each province, autonomous region or municipalities will set up 1-2 pilots so as to promote the establishment of water-saving society.

Meanwhile during the 11th Five-Year Plan period, it also needs to implement total quantity control of water use and quota management, and to initialize national water rights system. Water administrative departments at provincial, autonomous and municipal levels should disassemble and distribute the total amount index to lower administrative regions, and carry out water licensing system. Each administrative region should establish annual plan of water use based on the quota and control index of total water use.