More than 90 percent of Beijing industries will be subject to a
water consumption quota from the beginning of next year in an
effort to deal with the water shortage hitting the capital city.
According to a new regulation issued by the Beijing Municipal
Water-Saving Office last week, a water quota will be imposed on
hotels, factories, shops, government offices and other units.
Those whose water usage surpasses the quota may be charged a fee as
high as two to five times the regular rate.
Under the regulation, a quota of 100 liters of water per capita for
public bathrooms, 8 liters per car wash, and 1 ton annually per
square meter of public grassland will be applied.
The quota for every industry was determined after comprehensive
research and investigation and will meet the basic demand of most
work units, said an official with the office.
"Washing men's hair usually needs 6 to 8 liters of water and about
11 liters for women," said a barber shop assistant.
"On average, an amount of 20 liters is just about enough for each
person," he said. "Putting the quota there helps warn us to save
water. After all, we do not want to face a water shortage."
Authorities are discussing how to calculate the number of customers
barber shops, public bathrooms, carwashes and other work units
generally receive.
"The number of customers varies every month and is different for
each barber," said the owner of a barber shop. " I hope supervisors
will charge the water fee fairly and openly."
The regulation also suggests a monthly usage of 3.5 tons of water
per person for urban residents. The Water-Saving Office urges
residents to follow the standard, but a quota will not be imposed
on their usage.
Prices are expected to play a key role in motivating people to
conserve water. By the year of 2005, the water fee will probably be
double that of the current level both for residents and for
industries.
"We hope that Beijingers will become more and more aware that
saving water is the responsibility of every resident and every
industry,'' the official said.
(China
Daily November 20, 2001)