Presenter
Ms. Chenxi LI, Nanjing Research Institute of Hydrology and Water Conservation Automation, Ministry of Water Resources
Co-author(s)
Ms. Guiyun PENG, Huairou District Water Authority
Ms. Nan ZHANG, Huairou District Water Authority
Ms. Ziying LU, Huairou District Water Authority
Ms. Minghui YU, Huairou District Water Authority
Mr. Kai YANG, Powerchina Echoenvironmental Group Co., Ltd.
Mr. Xunping GUO, Powerchina Echoenvironmental Group Co., Ltd.
Sub-theme
4. Supporting Aquatic Ecosystem Health and Functions
Topic
4-2. Maintenance and restoration of the river basin eco-hydrological process
Body
Water ecology is crucial for sustainable development of cities. According to its natural advantages, Huairou District was designated as an ecological conservation area in the Overall Plan on Beijing City (2016-2035). To fulfill its role, Huairou had to tackle some challenges about water－aging flood-control infrastructure, low efficiency of water utilization, incomplete sewage pipelines, inadequate water for ecological flows and landscape. The countermeasures portfolio includes reinforcing dams, embankments and reaches in risk; applying blue and green approaches to collect more water; cleaning inflows; linking water systems through ecological corridors allowing water circulation; and developing a digital water network. According to the portfolio, Huairou District took concrete action. 1) It reinforced Class-III dams, dismantled unqualified dams and braced 8.7km embankments and 31km reaches. 2) It initiated projects for water retention, water reuse and water transfer while nurturing riverain habitats and enriching plants and animals. 3) Sewage pipelines were extended into the old blocks and sewage treatment plants were upgraded and scaled up. 4) Water systems across the district were connected through ecological corridors and the Yanming wetland. 5) an intelligent management platform was established to share water information. As a result, flood risks are in better control, and an enabling environment for aquatic ecosystems is coming into being. Sewage pipelines covers 95% of the district. Water quality is up to the indices set in the Discharge Standard of Pollutants for Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant (GB 18918). Interconnected water systems enable authorities to regulate water for flood control, drought relief and landscape. Based on the intelligent platform for water services, the work of water security monitoring and water resources allocation is managed in an economical, efficient and transparent way. With improved ecological functions and services, Huairou is serving as a collaborative district in city development and a demonstration area in China's communication to the world.