“Blood red,” some locals said. Fields near Tiegang Reservoir turned that color once. That’s not the Tiegang Reservoir we see today. Now, let’s explore this crucial water source for Shenzhen.
Tiegang Reservoir is located in Bao’an District. It offers a peaceful escape. Its tranquil waters and serene surroundings provide a unique experience. The sandy shoreline is light-colored. This adds to the soothing atmosphere. The beach area is not very long. But it’s enough for a break from the city.
Tiegang Reservoir plays a vital role. It’s the largest drinking water supply reservoir in Shenzhen. Water quality here is very important. It impacts the city’s drinking water security. Shenzhen faces a severe water shortage. The per capita water resource is low. It’s about 1/12 of the national average. Nearly 90% of Shenzhen’s drinking water is imported. It comes from the Pearl River. This water is stored in reservoirs like Tiegang Reservoir. Then, it’s supplied to water works.
A study analyzed Tiegang Reservoir’s water quality. It looked at temporal and spatial distribution. It also examined seasonal changes. Significant differences were found in water quality each month. Spatial heterogeneity was also obvious. The reservoir faced pollution from total nitrogen. But overall, it was in mesotrophic and light-eutrophic states. The study identified potential risk factors. These included total nitrogen, chlorophyll-a, and nitrate nitrogen.
The Luotian Reservoir-Tiegang Reservoir water conveyance tunnel project is underway. This large-scale project is in Baoan and Guangming Districts. Its main goal is to improve water distribution. It will optimize the use of water from the Xijiang River. The tunnel will be 21.67km long. It will convey 2.6 million cubic meters of water per day. The project costs billions of yuan. It is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2024.
This project is important for Shenzhen’s water supply. It will cover a large area in Bao’an and Nanshan Districts. It will serve millions of residents. The project will support Shenzhen’s economy. It will help resolve the city’s water shortage. It will create a double guarantee system for water supply.
However, Tiegang Reservoir has faced pollution issues. Sewage was once discharged into the reservoir. This turned nearby farmland reddish brown. An ink company was blamed for the incident. Environmental officials expressed concern. They feared the sewage could seep into the soil. This event highlighted the need for better environmental protection.
Despite past challenges, Tiegang Reservoir remains essential. It is vital for Shenzhen’s water security. The ongoing water conveyance project shows commitment. It shows the commitment to improving water resource management. When you look at the tranquil waters today remember the work that goes into keeping Tiegang Reservoir a clean and reliable source of water for millions.