The Jiaodong Water Diversion Project to divert water from Yellow River and Yangtze River started in Weifang, Shandong province on Dec 14 and 59 million cubic meters of water would be transferred to Yantai.

This year, due to scanty rainfall, cities of Shandong including Yantai, Weifang, Qingdao and Weihai were hit by a severe drought. Yantai received only 567.5 millimeters rainfall in 2015, down 15.8 percent year-on-year. It was the year with least precipitation since 2001.

To meet local demands for drinking, industrial and agricultural water, the local municipal government applied for the water diversion and from January 2016 Yantai residents will be able to drink water from both Yellow River and Yangtze River.

The government has made efforts to ensure smooth progress of the project, such as making detailed plans and setting up a leader group.

In addition, the government has forbidden the actions of taking water, swimming, fishing, skating or playing in reservoirs. Any criminal violation will be punished.

Edited by Shahnawaz Akhtar