Toilet water tanks consuming over nine liters of water per flush will be prohibited in the capital city of China, according to sources at the Beijing Water-Saving Office.
The introduction of the ban is in line with the circular issued by the State Council last year, which urges cities across the country to adopt water-saving sanitary wares.
Toilets are major water consumers in China, consuming 14.4 million tons of water daily.
It is stipulated that in public buildings completed before December 20, 2000, reconstruction work on toilet water tanks with water capacity beyond the regulated standard must be finished before December 31, 2001. While in newly-built residential blocks, 6-liter toilet water tanks and water-saving faucets should be installed.
Beijing, one of the most populous regions in China, is now facing a severe water shortage, with an annual water consumption of 4 billion cubic meters. The municipal government has carried out dozens of water conservation projects in recent years.
In addition, technology targeted at more efficient use of water will also be developed for lawns and other public places.
(Xinhua News Agency 08/06/2001)
