“Water is the lifeblood of a city”. That’s what they say. Today we are exploring the Shi’ao Reservior. It is a vital part of Shenzhen’s water supply network.
Shenzhen Reservoir is the largest man-made lake in Shenzhen. It is located in Luohu District. This area is in southeastern Shenzhen in southern China. The reservoir is a crucial resource for the city.
Built in March 1965, the Shenzhen Reservoir serves two primary purposes. These are irrigation and drinking water. Its drainage basin covers about 65 square kilometers. This area includes urban and forested land. It’s all located in southern Guangdong province.
The Shenzhen Reservoir borders Donghu Park and Fairy Lake Botanical Garden. It drains the western slope of Mount Wutong. The reservoir discharges into the Sham Chun River. This river forms the natural border between Hong Kong and Mainland China. It also drains into the Sha Tau Kok River.
Shenzhen Reservoir is open to the public every day from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. It is a popular recreation area. People come here for hiking and tourism. Nearby attractions include Donghu Park and Fairy Lake Botanical Garden. You can take bus No. 3, 17, 23, 29, 211, 308, 320, or 351 to Shuiku Bus Stop to get here.
Shenzhen faces unique water challenges. The city relies on rain-dependent rivers and streams. These are small in environmental capacity. They are prone to pollution. They have weak self-cleaning ability. As a result, these waters are widely contaminated.
In 2019, Shenzhen’s per capita access to water resources was just 154.54 cubic meters. This is only 1/13th of the nationwide average. Shenzhen struggles with acute water shortages. A staggering 85.40% of the total water supply is diverted from the Dongjiang River. This water source is located outside the city.
Shenzhen is prone to typhoons and rainstorms. Annual rainfall is distributed unevenly. Up to 86% of precipitation occurs from April to September. Brief, heavy rainfalls and extreme rainstorms are frequent occurrences here. The multi-year average precipitation reaches 1,935.8 mm. The annual average rainfall days number 144.
The construction of Shenzhen Reservoir demonstrates the region’s commitment to water conservation. It reflects its ability to manage water resources effectively. This commitment ensures a sustainable water supply for its residents.