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9 Water Quality Management
9.3.4 Function Zones
There are two kinds of function zones related to water quality management. A water
function zone is defined by the 2002 Water Law, having originally been formulated by
the MWR and now managed by MEE following the 2018 governmental restructure. A
water environmental function zone was defined by the 1996 Water Pollution Control
Law and formulated by MEP.
The water function zone refers to waters defined by their main use(s) where relevant water quality standards are implemented. The zones are formulated according to
the characteristics of water resources and their development. They are in accordance
with the requirements of a river basin comprehensive plan, as well as water resources
protection and socio-economic development plans. The water function zones are
formulated to define the uses of the waters, verify pollutant loading capacity, and
propose pollutant discharge limits, thus providing the basis for water resources development, use, and protection. At present, all provinces have formulated water function
zone plans that have been approved by relevant provincial governments (Chen 2009).
The water environmental function zones are based not only on water use but also on
water pollution control units. Therefore, water environmental function zones consider
water bodies according to function as well as degrees of pollution to determine
appropriate quality objectives. The water pollution control unit combines water use
and pollution sources.
Overall, both take into consideration regional pollution control, an environmental
management target responsibility system, a comprehensive environmental control
into the water pollution control unit, and the specific sources of pollution. The zones
based on environmental objectives are the basis for the water pollution control.
In fact, the water function zone is for water resources protection, and the water
environmental function zone is for water pollution control. This is because water
bodies were managed by MWR, and gradually water function zones override water
environmental function zones. In February 2012, the State Council issued “the Water
Function Zones for the State Key Rivers and Lakes.” However, in most provinces,
to avoid conflict, it is the water (environmental) function zone that is issued. With
MEE managing water function zone, it could be predicted that water environmental
function zone will no longer be used.
9.3.5 Total Discharge Volume Control System for Key Water
Pollutants
Article 20 of the 2017 Water Pollution Control Law stipulates the implementation
of total discharge volume control for key water pollutants. The control indicator is
formulated by MEE with NDRC after consultation with relevant departments of the
State Council and provincial governments, reported to State Council for approval,
and issued and implemented. The provincial government shall reduce and control
9 Water Quality Management
9.3.4 Function Zones
There are two kinds of function zones related to water quality management. A water
function zone is defined by the 2002 Water Law, having originally been formulated by
the MWR and now managed by MEE following the 2018 governmental restructure. A
water environmental function zone was defined by the 1996 Water Pollution Control
Law and formulated by MEP.
The water function zone refers to waters defined by their main use(s) where relevant water quality standards are implemented. The zones are formulated according to
the characteristics of water resources and their development. They are in accordance
with the requirements of a river basin comprehensive plan, as well as water resources
protection and socio-economic development plans. The water function zones are
formulated to define the uses of the waters, verify pollutant loading capacity, and
propose pollutant discharge limits, thus providing the basis for water resources development, use, and protection. At present, all provinces have formulated water function
zone plans that have been approved by relevant provincial governments (Chen 2009).
The water environmental function zones are based not only on water use but also on
water pollution control units. Therefore, water environmental function zones consider
water bodies according to function as well as degrees of pollution to determine
appropriate quality objectives. The water pollution control unit combines water use
and pollution sources.
Overall, both take into consideration regional pollution control, an environmental
management target responsibility system, a comprehensive environmental control
into the water pollution control unit, and the specific sources of pollution. The zones
based on environmental objectives are the basis for the water pollution control.
In fact, the water function zone is for water resources protection, and the water
environmental function zone is for water pollution control. This is because water
bodies were managed by MWR, and gradually water function zones override water
environmental function zones. In February 2012, the State Council issued “the Water
Function Zones for the State Key Rivers and Lakes.” However, in most provinces,
to avoid conflict, it is the water (environmental) function zone that is issued. With
MEE managing water function zone, it could be predicted that water environmental
function zone will no longer be used.
9.3.5 Total Discharge Volume Control System for Key Water
Pollutants
Article 20 of the 2017 Water Pollution Control Law stipulates the implementation
of total discharge volume control for key water pollutants. The control indicator is
formulated by MEE with NDRC after consultation with relevant departments of the
State Council and provincial governments, reported to State Council for approval,
and issued and implemented. The provincial government shall reduce and control