Progressive pricing scheme to go nationwide by 2015
China has announced a progressive pricing scheme for water use, which will be implemented nationwide by 2015. It marks the latest move from the government to promote water conservancy.
Last September, Shanghai implemented a new multi-tier water pricing system, forcing certain residents to pay more.85-year-old Mr. Shi thinks the new system helps to conserve water.
Shi Peixin, Shanghai resident, said,“I have to pay more if I used up the first tier, so I think this system can push me to save money. Water in Shanghai is brought in from other places of the country, so we should also be conscious about how we use water."
China’s National Development and Reform Commission on Friday announced a guideline for progressive pricing mechanism for water nationwide by 2015.
Zhou Fengqi, director of Sustainable Dev't Center, SASS, said, "For a country with the world’s largest population and per capita water resources equal to only a quarter of the world average, the need to save water is key. The progressive pricing mechanism could help ease the pressure of growing demand. The system could also encourage companies to be more eco-friendly by using recycled water."
