Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 1 hr ago
China issues first technical standard for restoring rivers and lakes
China’s Ministry of Water Resources has issued the country’s first technical standard for restoring rivers and lakes.
It applies to waterways affected by human activity, including rivers that have run dry, shrinking lakes and damaged aquatic ecosystems.
The standard takes effect on December 11, 2026.
It sets four levels of recovery, from improving water presence and flow to restoring ecosystems and securing overall waterway health.
It also provides 12 measurable indicators, including how often and for how long water flows through an entire river, and whether ecological flow targets are met.
Local authorities are to choose measures tailored to each river or lake, covering water use, flow, habitats and monitoring.
Since 2022, China has begun restoration work on 88 rivers and lakes, and during the 15th Five-Year Plan it plans to advance work on another 111.
China’s Ministry of Water Resources has issued the country’s first industry standard for restoring rivers and lakes.
The technical guide sets out how to assess restoration needs, choose targets and plan measures.
It applies to seasonal rivers, perennial rivers and lakes, with four levels of restoration.
The standard is due to take effect on December 11, 2026.
Since 2022, the ministry has launched restoration efforts for 88 rivers and lakes, and plans to pursue work on a further 111 during the 15th Five-Year Plan period.
- Who
- China’s Ministry of Water Resources issued the standard.
- What
- The ministry published the country’s first industry standard for river and lake restoration, titled Technical Guidelines for River and Lake Restoration (SL/T 884—2026).
- When
- It was published recently, according to a report dated October 21, 2026. It will take effect on December 11, 2026.
- Where
- China.
- Why
- The guide aims to address river drying, shrinking lakes, inadequate water flow and resulting ecological damage linked to unreasonable human activities.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Ministry of Water Resources began restoration efforts for 88 rivers and lakes.
China News Service reported that the Ministry of Water Resources had issued the technical standard.
The standard is due to take effect.
The ministry plans to advance restoration work on a second group of 111 rivers and lakes.
- Standard
- Technical Guidelines for River and Lake Restoration (SL/T 884—2026)
- Restoration types
- Seasonal rivers, perennial rivers and lakes
- Restoration levels
- Improve water presence; improve flow conditions; restore ecological functions; ensure river and lake health
- Assessment indicators
- 12, including continuity and duration of flow and ecological flow compliance
- First group
- 88 rivers and lakes
- Second group
- 111 rivers and lakes planned for restoration during the 15th Five-Year Plan period