Drinking Water Sources

The water quality of the drinking water sources of 47 key cities monitored was generally good. The water quality standards attainment rate was more than 80% (which was good) in 31 cities, among which 22 cities had water quality standards attainment rate of 100% (which was excellent). 8 cities had water quality standards attainment rate of between 50-79.9% (which was mediocre), and 8 cities had attainment rate of below 50% (which was poor). Compared with last year, the water quality of drinking water source areas of key cities had been generally stable.
The main pollution indicators exceeding water quality standards for surface water sources were total nitrogen, bacillus, and BOD. The main pollution indicators exceeding water quality standards for ground water sources were total hardness, and sulfates.

Reference: Report on the State of the Environment of China (2003) State Environmental Protection Administration of China