Core Viewpoint - The Shandong Provincial Government is implementing policies to promote the conservation and efficient use of water resources, focusing on the development of unconventional water sources to address severe water scarcity issues in the region [1][4]. Policy Guidance - Unconventional water development has been integrated into various regulations, including the Shandong Water Resources Regulations and the Water Conservation Regulations, as well as water security planning [4]. - Policies have been established to enhance seawater desalination, recycled water utilization, and industrial wastewater recycling [4]. Implementation Mechanism - Collaborative efforts among relevant departments are emphasized to promote the development of unconventional water [4]. - The provincial water authority has set minimum utilization targets for unconventional water in annual water allocation plans for cities, aiming for a minimum of 35% unconventional water usage in chemical parks [4]. Pilot Projects - Six cities in Shandong have been designated as key cities for recycled water utilization, with several others recognized as national pilot areas for recycled water [4]. - These pilot regions are developing specialized plans and management measures to enhance recycled water production and distribution systems [4]. Current Utilization and Future Plans - Unconventional water is currently utilized across various sectors, including industry, agriculture, and ecological environments, with a projected utilization of 20.52 billion cubic meters in 2024, ranking second nationally [5]. - Specific projects in cities like Yantai and Binzhou are expanding unconventional water capacity significantly, with Yantai's capacity increasing from 280,000 tons per day in 2023 to 520,000 tons per day [5]. - The provincial water authority plans to continue integrating unconventional water into the unified water resource allocation and expand its utilization through ongoing project development [5].