The Beijing municipal government has published the latest draft of a water-saving plan and has asked for public feedback.

This is the second edition of the plan and the second time the government has solicited public opinion. More than 30 residents called to express their opinions on the first day the draft's publication on Saturday. More are expected to do so by the end of the month.

The move reflects a desire for democratic policy-making. It is important to raise public awareness about economical water consumption.

Revisions have been made to the previous draft after submissions from 1,000 residents from August to October. The new draft removes all content about renewable water resources. Some controversial items, such as "cutting off the water supply if the user has not paid for four months" and "doubling the charge if the resident uses water exceeding the quota," disappear in this new version.

This offers the public a channel to express opinions over policies concerning their own interests. The government will consider their suggestions carefully, which will enable the policies to be more fair and reasonable.

What is more, the topic of water saving deserves extra public attention in this thirsty capital city.

Drought has hit Beijing for six years in a row. The shortage of rain has seen many rivers and lakes and reservoirs hit their lowest levels in history. At the same time, excessive use of groundwater both by industry and agriculture has left the underground water table dangerously low.

The city's annual average per capita water availability is less than 300 cubic metres. That figure is one-eighth of the national level and around 3 per cent of the world level.

However, Beijingers are lucky. They rarely run out of tap water.

The central government has taken various moves to aid the thirsty capital. Three reservoirs in North China's Shanxi and Hebei provinces began to divert water to Beijing in October, for free.

But water-transfer is obviously no long-term cure. Like most northern regions, the two neighbouring provinces themselves also face water shortages.

Given such harsh conditions, thrifty water consumption is vital.

Every Beijinger should be conscious that a drop saved is a drop earned.

(China Daily December 21, 2004)