Beijing is to build nine factories to provide tertiary treated wastewater in the next four years to help replace natural water resources and encourage conservation.

The authority estimates that the project will recycle up to 50 percent of water used by placing it in different usage categories including water used for the garden, dust-alleviation, and washing.

By 2008, the nine factories are expected to provide over one million square meters of tertiary treated wastewater every day and save 300 million square meters of clean water each year.

The capital city is suffering from severe water shortages and is trying to promote water conservation.

(CRI August 16, 2004)