The Chinese government has demonstrated its commitment in managing water by bringing several ministries together to deal with water issues, an international water body told Xinhua in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday.

David Garman, president of the International Water Association (IWA), lauded China's efforts in water management, including water treatment, protection of water catchments as well as water distribution.

Citing the management of the Yellow River as an example, Garman said that the Chinese government's move to replant trees and control water catchments along the river had achieved great results, minimizing soil erosion.

He also said that major cities in China were committed to major improvements, where cities like Wuxi and Qingdao were already planning their water development and urban catchments management for future needs.

Garman said that with a big push from the Chinese government, water in China would be made portable for everyone from the tap.

On the challenges China faces in dealing with water, Garman said that the right technologies must be chosen in order to supply quality water, both ground and surface, to the rural folks.

Garman pointed out that some ground water was not up to the best quality and therefore, additional treatment was required.

The monitoring and treatment of water, especially for drinking purpose, must also be improved, stressed Garman, adding that water distribution in China should see enhancement as much money was spent for the purpose.

Internationally, Garman said that if water was managed and distributed efficiently and effectively, the resource would be sufficient to meet demand.

He said that water losses in some part of the world went as high as 60 to 80 percent, while an efficient water distribution system encountered only less than 5 percent water losses.

Some 10 percent of the diseases could be prevented by better management of water, sanitation and health, added Garman.

Commenting on water safety program, Garman said the program did not focus only on water treatment as it covered a full range of aspects in terms of water catchment and water distribution.

He noted that it could be the case where good water treatment was available but the distribution did not meet the set standards.

Earlier, Garman delivered a speech at the Sixth ASIAWATER 2010, an international water and wastewater industry expo and conference held in Kuala Lumpur?from April 6 to 8.

Garman said that diarrheal disease, accounted for 4.1 percent of total global burden of disease, resulting in 1.8 million deaths a year.

Some 88 percent of the burden is due to unsafe water supply, sanitation and hygiene, he said.

Over 580 companies from 40 countries and regions participated in the expo and it is expected that over 10,000 trade visitors and delegates worldwide will attend the event.