Core Viewpoint - The article discusses Jiangsu's innovative approaches to water conservation amidst its inherent water resource scarcity, focusing on technological and institutional advancements to enhance water efficiency and sustainability [1]. Group 1: Water Supply Network Management - Jiangsu is implementing strict measures to control water supply network leakage, with over 8,000 kilometers of pipeline upgrades completed since the 14th Five-Year Plan [2]. - The goal is to reduce the urban public water supply network leakage rate to below 7.5% by 2024 [2]. - The city of Suqian has developed a smart water management platform that utilizes IoT devices for real-time monitoring, significantly improving leak detection and repair times, reducing average response time from 9 hours to 6 hours [2][3]. Group 2: Sponge City Construction - The construction of sponge cities is a key strategy for improving rainwater collection and utilization, with 1,963.99 square kilometers of sponge city area established, accounting for 35.48% of Jiangsu's urban built-up area by the end of 2024 [4]. - The sponge city initiative aims to enhance urban infrastructure and promote efficient water resource use, with projects including rainwater collection facilities in new commercial and residential buildings [4][5]. - The implementation of sponge city concepts is expected to alleviate urban flooding and improve water quality in rivers and lakes [5]. Group 3: Wastewater Reuse - The city of Jurong has successfully integrated wastewater reuse with river water quality improvement, injecting 25,000 tons of treated water daily into the Yuqing River, enhancing its ecological health [6]. - The province is promoting the use of reclaimed water from sewage treatment plants, with a projected urban reclaimed water utilization rate of approximately 29% by 2024 [7]. - Efforts are being made to prioritize the use of reclaimed water for landscaping and road maintenance, reducing reliance on potable water [7].

Core Viewpoint - Beijing, facing severe water scarcity with a per capita water resource of only 150 cubic meters, has achieved the highest water efficiency in the country, with water consumption of 8.45 cubic meters per 10,000 GDP in 2024, showcasing effective water conservation strategies [1][8]. Group 1: Water Efficiency Achievements - In 2024, the water consumption per 10,000 GDP in Beijing is projected to be 8.45 cubic meters, leading the nation [1]. - The China World Trade Center (CWTC) has reduced its water consumption to 2.95 cubic meters per 10,000 GDP, significantly lower than the average of 5.06 in Chaoyang District [4]. - From 2012 to 2024, the water consumption per unit area in CWTC decreased from 1.63 tons/㎡ to 1.18 tons/㎡, a reduction of 27% [4]. Group 2: Water Management Initiatives - Chaoyang District has established a four-level management system for water conservation, ensuring dynamic data sharing among water departments, supply companies, and users [5]. - The district's GDP is expected to exceed 900 billion yuan in 2024, with a water consumption of 4.17 cubic meters per 10,000 GDP, indicating efficient water use [4]. Group 3: Legislative and Institutional Framework - Beijing has implemented comprehensive water-saving legislation, including the "Beijing Water Saving Regulations" and the "14th Five-Year Plan for Water Saving," which incorporates water consumption control into government performance assessments [8]. - Between 2014 and 2024, the water consumption per 10,000 GDP in Beijing decreased by 33.7%, while the industrial value-added water consumption dropped by 61.3% [8]. Group 4: Technological Innovations - Beijing University of Technology has developed water-saving devices and implemented rainwater collection and recycling systems, significantly reducing water consumption on campus [9][10]. - The university has invested over 4 million yuan in water-saving projects during the 14th Five-Year Plan, achieving a total water savings of 7.2 million tons since 2006 [10].