The city of Guangzhou passed regulations on water discharging on August 31 to better prevent and control waterlogging and water pollution.

The regulations include stipulations on drainage schemes and construction of waterlogging prevention facilities. It states that more drainage installations will be added to waterlogging-risk areas, such as low-lying lands and riverbank regions.

Water authorities are required to establish standing water level monitoring and information display facilities. Waterlogging-risk institutions, such as those related to railway transportation, pipelines, electricity, and telecommunication should initially take precaution against floods.

Institutions in charge of public drainage systems should strengthen supervision work on squares, interchanges, tunnels, culverts, and low-lying lands before and during the flood season to eliminate hidden dangers. On the issuance of rainstorm alerts, these institutions are required to carry out rescue work.

Institutions in charge of private drainage systems should inspect drainage facilities more frequently and help with rescue work at emergency times.

New buildings, reconstructions, and expansions in the city should all be equipped with water storage, utilization, drainage, and purification facilities, which are all essential requirements of flood prevention and “sponge city” construction.

In terms of water pollution prevention and control, drainage units and individuals shall pay sewage treatment fees not lower than normal operation costs of sewage treatment facilities according to the regulations.

Also specified are requirements for rainwater and sewage diversion. For instance, independent rainwater drainage systems shall be installed on the public roof surface of new buildings, and sewage pipes on balconies and terraces. Violators may be fined up to 100,000 yuan.

Furthermore, the regulations mention prohibited actions of sewage discharge, including damaging, stealing, dismantling or blocking drainage and sewage treatment facilities, dumping toxic, flammable, explosive or corrosive liquids or sludge to drainage and sewage treatment facilities.

Author | Jerry (intern)

Editor | Olivia, Monica, Jerry, Abby