Beneath our feet lies a crucial part of Shenzhen’s water system. This is Shiqiaoli Reservoir. Shenzhen relies on reservoirs like this one for its water supply. The city has 183 reservoirs in total. They hold a combined storage capacity of 973 million cubic meters.
But Shenzhen faces significant water challenges. Its per capita water access is only 154.54 cubic meters. That’s just 1/13th of the national average. A large portion of Shenzhen’s water, 85.40%, comes from the Dongjiang River, which is outside the city.
Shenzhen is also susceptible to typhoons and heavy rain. Most rainfall occurs between April and September. This uneven distribution creates further challenges.
You might be wondering about the history of reservoirs in this region. The Xili Reservoir is another example, located in the Nanshan District. Construction of Xili Reservoir began in December 1959. It was completed in March 1960. Xili’s drainage basin covers about 29 square kilometers. It can hold up to 3,238.81 cubic meters of water at full capacity. The Xili Reservoir discharges into the Dasha River, which flows into Shenzhen Bay.
Another key reservoir is Shenzhen Reservoir, in Luohu District. It was built in March 1965 for irrigation and drinking water. Shenzhen Reservoir is the largest man-made lake in the city. It is open to the public in the evenings for recreation.
Reservoirs are not just functional. They offer recreational opportunities. However, please note that some reservoirs, like Xili, are not open to the public. This restriction ensures water source protection. The first grade water source protection area protects the reservoir.
These reservoirs help to irrigate. They provide essential drinking water. They play a vital role in Shenzhen’s growth. They highlight the constant need for balance. It is a balance between development and sustainability.