法治护航依法治水 守好每一滴水资源

Core Viewpoint - The newly revised "Xi'an Water Conservation Regulation" aims to enhance water resource management and promote the efficient use of recycled water in the city, addressing the challenges of water scarcity in a typical water-deficient city like Xi'an [3][4]. Group 1: Water Resource Management - Xi'an has an average annual water resource volume of 24.10 billion cubic meters, with a per capita availability of less than 200 cubic meters, highlighting its status as a water-scarce city [3]. - The new regulation emphasizes a rigid water resource constraint system, promoting a water-saving society through the development of water-saving agriculture, industry, and services [2][3]. Group 2: Specific Provisions of the New Regulation - The new regulation includes specific provisions for agricultural water conservation, strict control of total water usage, and the promotion of water-saving industries [4][6]. - It mandates that governments develop unconventional water utilization plans, integrating recycled water, rainwater, and other unconventional sources into unified water resource management [5]. Group 3: Water Measurement and Pricing - The regulation requires metering and charging for water usage, prohibiting flat-rate billing, and implementing progressive pricing for agricultural and non-residential water use [6]. - It specifies that water usage must be measured separately for different sources and purposes, with penalties for non-compliance [5][6]. Group 4: Promotion of Water-Saving Measures - The regulation encourages the adoption of water-saving measures in key sectors, requiring construction projects to include water-saving plans and facilities [7]. - It calls for public institutions to lead by example in water conservation practices and the use of advanced water-saving technologies [7]. Group 5: Legal Framework and Enforcement - The new regulation establishes legal consequences for violations, including fines for failing to install metering facilities and for not adhering to water-saving requirements [8]. - It also outlines a system for reporting water waste and recognizes contributions to water conservation efforts through rewards [8].