Comparative Study of Rural Water Supply Models, Technologies, and Long-Term Management Mechanisms in Southeastern and Northwestern China

College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom

^* Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

China's village and town drinking water systems face some challenges, including insufficient protection of water sources, outdated treatment processes and equipment, high leakage rate in distribution networks, serious risks of secondary pollution, and inadequate operation and management mechanisms. Enhancing the reliability of both water quantity and quality along the whole path from the source to the tap has therefore become an urgent task. This study systematically summarizes the selection and adaptation of water supply models in Chinese villages, and introduces key technologies and applications for supplying water from both conventional and non-conventional sources. Based on this, a set of long-term and targeted management mechanisms is constructed. By comparing the differences in water supply models between northwest and southeast China, the study summarizes experiences that are appropriate for different regions, providing scientific support and practical references for sustainable operation of rural safe drinking water projects.