Statistics from the Ministry of Water Resources indicate that nearly two-thirds of Chinese cities are suffering from water shortages.

Among them, more than 100 are seriously threatened by the problem.
Han Ying, an official with the Tianjin municipal water administration, says the coastal city is no exception.

"Tianjin's per capita water resources are below 370 cubic meters. This amount is extremely less than the internationally recognized warning line of 1,000 cubic meters. The city is facing an annual water shortage of 1.3 billion cubic meters."

At present, China is building a massive water diversion project to bring water from the Yangtze River to arid cities, including Beijing and Tianjin.

But some experts point out that increasing the water supply alone cannot fundamentally solve the problem.

Wang Hao is an academician at the Chinese Academy of Engineering.

"The priority should be given to water conservation and pollution prevention. We must try all means to increase water use efficiency. You know, China's water consumption per unit of GDP is five times that of the most advanced level in the world."

Wang Hao says society should take comprehensive measures to increase water use efficiency to save more water.

"The government should make legislative and administrative moves to foster water conservation awareness and practices. The innovation of water-saving technologies should also be encouraged. Moreover, the government can set up higher water-efficiency standards and promote the use of water-efficient home appliances, such as taps and washing machines."

Wang Hao says residents can also save water by practicing water recycling and re-use.

He stresses that such habits must be formed because they really matter in terms of increasing water use efficiency.