China's South to North Water Transfer Project Case Study

Question 1

How many routes are there?

Answer 1

3 from Yangtze basin to treatment plans in Beijing.

Question 2

How much water does it transfer annually?

Answer 2

The Eastern Route and Central Route transfer up to 45 billion cubic metres.

Question 3

How much did it cost and how much was it planned to transfer?

Answer 3

$62 billion.
Designed to move 12 trillion gallons.

Question 4

Is the Western Route completed?

Answer 4

No, set to be complete in 2050.

Question 5

What are some environmental impacts?

Answer 5

• Height of Danjiangkou Dam increased by 1.5m, flooding the land and destroying habitats.
• Decreased velocity of Hanshui River downstream = sedimentation and algal blooms which killed plants and organisms.
• Water polluted and needs treatment which requires large amounts of energy which comes from combustion of fossil fuels.

Question 6

What is the problem with the water snails?

Answer 6

They carry schistomiasis which will increase due to decreased velocity in Yangtze Delta.

This parasite can kill animals like pigs and water buffalo. Causes an enlarged liver/bladder cancers.