China Tackles Water Pollution Beyond Major Rivers

China has introduced a comprehensive action plan to address water pollution in rivers, ponds, and ditches, marking a strategic shift towards smaller water bodies crucial to daily life. The plan, supported by six ministries including the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, aims to complete pollution inspections and remediation in provincial-level industrial parks by 2030. It also targets the elimination of black and odorous water bodies in counties and townships. This initiative focuses on water sources "on people's doorsteps," such as secondary tributaries, ponds, and canals used for drinking, farming, and recreation.

The drive comes as China celebrates significant improvements in its major waterways. Nationwide surface water sections reaching Grade I-III quality increased to 91.4 percent in 2025, a substantial rise since the 2021-25 plan began. The Yangtze and Yellow Rivers have maintained good water quality for several consecutive years. However, pollution in smaller tributaries and ponds has become a growing concern for nearby communities.

The action plan details five major campaigns. These include tackling industrial park pollution through inspections and infrastructure upgrades, eradicating black and odorous waters, improving livestock waste treatment, protecting rural rivers, and remediating small water bodies. Enhanced supervision will be implemented for enterprises near drinking water sources and farmlands to prevent contamination.