Meteorological Observatory recorded a record low of 1.1-millimeter precipitation in Shenzhen since the start of October.

This is the lowest level since the city started meteorological records in 1952. The relative humidity also hit a record low, sending fire services on the alert for the past two months.

Sources from the city’s water resources bureau said that water levels were 15 percent down on previous years.

To relieve water shortages in Bao’an and Longgang districts, Longkou-Xikeng water project bringing water from Dongjiang River began operation last month.

Shenzhen is heavily dependent on water piped from outside, especially Dongjiang River accounting for 75 percent of the total water supply.

The city currently faces an immediate shortage of 600,000 cubic meters, Luo told the Shenzhen Evening News.

The water resources bureau called for citizens to reduce their daily water consumption to help tackle the water shortage.

(Shenzhen Daily December 17, 2004)