SOAS Research Online

Abstract

China’s residential fresh water use has risen by 37% in the past decade (2000-2011). Therewith, it represents the fastest increase among all water uses in the country. The rapid increase in residential and other fresh water uses has led to an overexploitation of water resources and threatens sustainable fresh water supply in China. In 2013, two thirds of Chinese cities lacked fresh water resources and 22% had serious water shortages. In contrast, 14% of rural households were still without access to safe drinking water in the same year. In this context, the issue of how water policy and research can contribute to an inclusive and sustainable fresh water supply is at the top of ZEF’s research agenda.