10/25/11 China Takes a Loss to Get Ahead in the Business of Fresh Water (New York Times)

China Takes a Loss to Get Ahead in the Business of Fresh Water

By MICHAEL WINES

Published: October 25, 2011

To say very easily, China’s desalination industry in growing up and is expected to be going to at the high ranking of the world desalination industries.

“The desalted water costs twice as much to produce as it sells for.” (New York Times)

The desalination is supported by the government.

“The latest goal is to quadruple production by 2020, from the current 680,000 cubic meters, or 180 million gallons, a day to as many as three million cubic meters, about 800 million gallons, equivalent to nearly a dozen more 200,000-ton-a-day plants like the one being expanded in Beijiang.” (New York Times)

“In Tianjin, deemed a model city for water conservation, 90 percent of water used in industry is recycled; 60 percent of farm irrigation systems use water-saving technologies; 148 miles of water-recycling pipes snake beneath the city. Apartments in one 10-square-mile area of town feature two taps, one for drinking water and one for recycled water suitable for other uses.” (New York Times)