Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significant improvements in water management and environmental restoration in Zhongshan, Guangdong, over the past three years, transforming it from a negative example of water pollution to a positive model of ecological recovery and economic growth [2][21]. Group 1: Water Management Achievements - Zhongshan has made substantial progress in water pollution control, with the urban sewage collection rate increasing from 45% to 84% and rural sewage treatment rate rising from 25% in 2021 to 98% [11][12]. - The city has constructed over 6,450 kilometers of sewage pipelines, effectively eliminating black and odorous water bodies in urban areas [10][18]. - The city has successfully transformed 106 main rivers, removing the worst pollution categories (Class V) [10][17]. Group 2: Economic Impact - The improvements in water quality have attracted numerous high-quality enterprises, leading to a 96.7% increase in industrial investment compared to 2021, marking a significant turnaround from a decade of negative growth [17][18]. - The GDP of Zhongshan is projected to exceed 400 billion yuan for the first time, indicating a robust economic recovery linked to environmental initiatives [16][17]. Group 3: Community Involvement and Governance - The local government has established a comprehensive water pollution control command, involving various levels of leadership and community participation in the management and oversight of water projects [28][30]. - Innovative mechanisms such as "four-party acceptance" and "five-party joint review" have been implemented to ensure transparency and community involvement in project evaluations [35][36]. Group 4: Future Sustainability Initiatives - Zhongshan is focusing on sustainable practices, including the establishment of artificial wetlands to enhance water quality and manage stormwater effectively [70][72]. - The city has adopted smart water management technologies, integrating IoT systems for real-time monitoring and management of water resources [81][84].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significant improvements in water pollution management in Zhongshan, Guangdong, showcasing a successful transformation from heavily polluted waterways to cleaner environments through systematic reforms and collaborative efforts [1][25]. Group 1: Historical Context and Initial Challenges - Zhongshan, once a thriving industrial hub, faced severe water pollution issues due to rapid industrialization in the 1980s, leading to complaints from residents by 2012 [5][10]. - Initial water management strategies were ineffective, with a lack of coordination among departments and significant gaps in sewage infrastructure [6][8]. Group 2: Reform and Strategy Implementation - Following repeated criticisms from central environmental authorities, Zhongshan initiated comprehensive reforms, focusing on a "source control and interception" strategy and establishing a unified command for water management [11][13]. - The city identified over 6000 kilometers of sewage pipeline gaps, prioritizing the construction of new sewage networks and improving existing systems [13][25]. Group 3: Progress and Achievements - As of now, Zhongshan has completed 6450 kilometers of sewage pipeline installation and expanded sewage treatment capacity from 123.5 million tons per day in 2021 to 221.5 million tons per day [25]. - The city has significantly improved the collection rates of urban and rural sewage, with urban collection rates rising from 45% to 84% and rural rates from 25% to 98% [25]. - The transformation has led to the elimination of black and odorous waterways in urban areas, with 106 main rivers now classified above the worst pollution levels [25]. Group 4: Economic Impact and Future Outlook - The successful water management efforts have contributed to a favorable investment climate, with over 250 billion yuan in investments attracted in the past two years, positioning Zhongshan for continued economic growth [25]. - The article emphasizes the importance of integrating ecological beauty with economic development, suggesting that the improvements in water quality will further enhance Zhongshan's attractiveness as a place for business and living [25].