Tiekeng Reservoir

In the heart of bustling Shenzhen, find tranquility at Tiekeng Reservoir. Tiekeng Reservoir isn’t just a beautiful sight. It’s a vital lifeline for this metropolis. Shenzhen, one of China’s most densely populated cities, faces a significant water shortage. Per capita water resources are less than 200 cubic meters. That’s about one-twelfth of the national average. Tiekeng Reservoir plays a crucial role in Shenzhen’s drinking water security. It acts as a major storage point for water imported from the Pearl River. Almost 90% of Shenzhen’s drinking water comes from this imported source. This water is first held in reservoirs like Tiekeng before being distributed to water treatment plants. A fifteen-month study, from April 2013 to June 2014, revealed fascinating details about Tiekeng Reservoir. The study analyzed water quality factors and how they change across seasons and locations. The results showed clear monthly and spatial variations in water quality. Factors like water temperature, total organic carbon, silicate, nitrate-nitrogen, total nitrogen, and iron followed a distinct pattern. Their levels were highest in the pre-rainy period. They then decreased gradually through the latter rainy period, high-temperature rain-free period, temperature jump period, and finally the winter drought period. Interestingly, water clarity followed the opposite trend. The study determined that monthly changes had a greater impact on water quality than location within the reservoir. One important finding was the high level of total nitrogen, which negatively impacted the overall water quality index. Without considering total nitrogen, the water quality was generally acceptable. However, its presence pushed the index to a lower level. Tiekeng Reservoir sits between a mesotrophic and light-eutrophic state. This means it has moderate to slightly elevated nutrient levels. Certain areas, particularly sampling sites 9 and 10, showed poorer water quality. A factor analysis identified five main groups of water quality factors. Water temperature, nutrient concentrations, and sensory indexes like turbidity and transparency were all key factors. The analysis highlighted total nitrogen as a potential risk factor. Chlorophyll-a and nitrate-nitrogen were also identified as potential concerns. Tiekeng Reservoir stands as a testament to Shenzhen’s efforts to secure its water supply. It’s a crucial resource for the city.