Water Pollution in China

Daniela Salaverry

One of China’s most critical environmental problems is water pollution; 320 million people lack access to clean drinking water; over 70 percent of lakes and rivers are polluted; and major pollution incidents happen on a near daily basis.  

Water pollution not only strains the environment, but also severely impacts public health. Today, China has a growing cancer rate, with hundreds of “cancer villages” near polluted water sources. The World Health Organization recently estimated that nearly 100,000 people die annually from water pollution-related illnesses in China, and 75 percent of disease comes from water quality issues.

China’s water pollution crisis made international headlines following a 2005 petro-chemical plant explosion which released 100 tons of benzene into the Songhua River. Such spills are not rare in China, yet the accident and ensuing cover-up opened a new space for encouraging the Chinese government to change its approach to water pollution, specifically as it relates to public access to information, enforcement of pollution laws and accountability.

Over the past several years, there has been a noticeable shift in behavior by the Chinese government as it pertains to environmental issues, particularly water pollution. Pan Yue, a Vice Minister of China’s Ministry of Environmental Protection (MEP), openly acknowledges that "the environmental crisis, particularly for water, is coming to China earlier than expected."

Pacific Environment believes that improvements will only be successful and sustainable if local, regional and national environmental groups are able to establish themselves as stronger watchdogs of, and advocates to, the government and private industry.

Working with partners across China, Pacific Environment is reaching out to local communities concerned about water pollution and helping these communities conduct legal, public relations and advocacy campaigns to reduce the impacts of water pollution on public health and the local environment. Through these actions, our partners are playing a pivotal role to ensure clean water for China’s future.

To read more about our partners, click here.

Check out our water pollution slideshow.