Development and technology of rural drinking water supply in China

Access to safe drinking water in rural areas is a basic need of the population. Since 2000 China has invested significantly in improving rural drinking water safety nationwide as an important measure to alleviate poverty and promote rural development. In 2009, China achieved the millennium development goal (MDG) of halving the ratio of the population without access to safe drinking water by 2015. Water quality, water quantity, guaranteed probability of water source and convenience of water acquisition are the four major factors in evaluating drinking water safety. Technology and innovative equipment for water purification, disinfection, construction models and management technology and institutions have been developed to support the large-scale construction and management of rural drinking water supply projects during the last 20 years. This paper presents the technical progress and experience accumulated in the construction and management of the rural drinking water supply in China.