9.5 Suggestions and Recommendations
217
9.5 Suggestions and Recommendations
The following are suggestions and recommendations to achieve a more solid water
quality management system in China.
Full implementation of the developed systems
Even with the associated constraints, the developed management systems must be
fully implemented in order to improve water quality in the future. At the macro-level,
China should be able to fully implement the water function zone system to protect
the water quality of its water resources. At the micro-level, all permits should be
implemented, and supervision should be improved to manage individual activities.
Developing effective coordinating mechanisms between water quality and water
quantity
Given the separation between quality and quantity, an effective coordination mechanism is critical to water quality management. At present, the management philosophy
in terms of quantity and quality is different; therefore, it is much more difficult to
establish an effective and efficient coordination mechanism. The coordination mechanism could be started from developing to address some fundamental issues, such as
monitoring system, data sharing and management, and technical standards. Further,
it could be extended into other management practices.
Reforming the current system framework
In order to improve water quality, China should strengthen the macro-control of
water quality management; only then can the micro-level management instruments
be applied effectively.
Zone and permit relations should be strengthened. Mechanisms should be developed to coordinate the current systems when they are implemented by different
agencies. For example, the three discharge permits should be consistent with the
pollutant loading capacity of the water function zones.
The management system should consider both the nature of the water quality
issues and the administrative system. The current systems, partly developed by—
and to serve—the administrative system, should be improved to reflect the actual
situation of water quality problems, such as river basin management, hydrological
cycle, and upstream and downstream linkages.
Implementation-supporting systems should be developed. The root of poor implementation is that China lacks a system to promote and guarantee the implementation
of the water quality system. A system that considers responsibility, assessment, and
accountability should be developed for all stakeholders involved in water quality
management, particularly the governmental agencies.
217
9.5 Suggestions and Recommendations
The following are suggestions and recommendations to achieve a more solid water
quality management system in China.
Full implementation of the developed systems
Even with the associated constraints, the developed management systems must be
fully implemented in order to improve water quality in the future. At the macro-level,
China should be able to fully implement the water function zone system to protect
the water quality of its water resources. At the micro-level, all permits should be
implemented, and supervision should be improved to manage individual activities.
Developing effective coordinating mechanisms between water quality and water
quantity
Given the separation between quality and quantity, an effective coordination mechanism is critical to water quality management. At present, the management philosophy
in terms of quantity and quality is different; therefore, it is much more difficult to
establish an effective and efficient coordination mechanism. The coordination mechanism could be started from developing to address some fundamental issues, such as
monitoring system, data sharing and management, and technical standards. Further,
it could be extended into other management practices.
Reforming the current system framework
In order to improve water quality, China should strengthen the macro-control of
water quality management; only then can the micro-level management instruments
be applied effectively.
Zone and permit relations should be strengthened. Mechanisms should be developed to coordinate the current systems when they are implemented by different
agencies. For example, the three discharge permits should be consistent with the
pollutant loading capacity of the water function zones.
The management system should consider both the nature of the water quality
issues and the administrative system. The current systems, partly developed by—
and to serve—the administrative system, should be improved to reflect the actual
situation of water quality problems, such as river basin management, hydrological
cycle, and upstream and downstream linkages.
Implementation-supporting systems should be developed. The root of poor implementation is that China lacks a system to promote and guarantee the implementation
of the water quality system. A system that considers responsibility, assessment, and
accountability should be developed for all stakeholders involved in water quality
management, particularly the governmental agencies.