Water conservation is vital to national welfare. In recent years, Liaocheng in Shandong Province has actively built a modern water network, revitalized water resources, and implemented meticulous water management strategies.
As a water-scarce city, Liaocheng has pioneered the development of "secondary water sources" by transforming wastewater into valuable resources, significantly improving water utilization efficiency. Guan County, located along the ancient Yellow River course, faces severe water shortages. With growing industrial and urban demands, reclaimed water (recycled wastewater) has become crucial in balancing supply and demand.
The Guan County Industrial Water Plant, Liaocheng's first such facility, operates a closed-loop system of "extraction-purification-reuse-repurification," achieving efficient water recycling. Li Teng, Deputy General Manager of Shandong Kunsheng Environmental Technology, noted that switching from tap water (¥5.7/ton) to reclaimed water (¥1.71/ton) saves companies approximately ¥9,000 daily. At full annual production capacity, this translates to ¥2.7 million in savings—a major boost for businesses.
Guo Jiangang, Chairman of Guan County Water Group, explained that 138 industrial enterprises in the county share a dedicated reclaimed water pipeline network, ensuring timely delivery of treated water while reducing groundwater extraction. By April 2025, average groundwater levels in Guan County rose 0.82 meters year-on-year to 13.91 meters, aiding ecological restoration.
Agriculture, a major water consumer, holds vast conservation potential. Xinfang Modern Agricultural Park in Chiping District employs advanced drip irrigation and automated nutrient recycling systems, cutting per-plant water use by 66%. Aquaculture byproducts are repurposed as fertilizer for cherry cultivation, creating a circular economy.
Shandong Dongxin Plastic Technology showcased integrated irrigation-drainage pipelines that combine watering and drainage functions, enabling efficient land use and precision fertilization. Buried pipelines further optimize space.
Liaocheng’s smart water governance extends to Yanggu County’s unified urban-rural water supply platform, which digitally monitors extraction, production, distribution, and service. Centralized meter wells and household-specific pipelines reduce labor costs while minimizing waste through accurate metering.
Today, Liaocheng’s modern water network delivers multifaceted benefits: the scenic Tuhai River, revitalized Dongchang Lake, safer rural drinking water, and stronger foundations for rural revitalization. The city continues to harness "water power" to drive high-quality development.
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