Beijing, host city of the upcoming summer Olympic Games, will have special teams to
conduct daily safety checks of its huge water network.
"The team will consist of more than 300 patrol staff and 400
maintenance workers doing round-the-clock checks and maintenance of
the water pipelines and ground water systems," said Yu Yaping, an
official with the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Water Affairs.
Yu said that regular inspections would officially start in
May.
"The Games will be held in August, which is the annual flood
season in Beijing. The routine checks will cover sound drainage of
rain water, especially in the sports venues," said Yu.
There are also many large "waterscapes" built to beautify the
city for the big event, and the bureau will also be responsible for
detecting groundwater pollution.
Water safety is a key factor in guaranteeing success in hosting
the world event.
The capital, which has ongoing water supply problems, has
prepared to guarantee sufficient water for the Olympics. Water
diverted through the country's south-north diversion project will
reach Beijing by March.
Beijing's neighboring province, Hebei, will contribute its
reservoir water to back up the national capital's supply.
(Xinhua News Agency February 7, 2008)