Drought, Salt Water Intrusion Threaten S. China Water Supply - AFP

Salt tides are severely threatening fresh water supplies in southern China's Guangdong province, with residents in some cities advised not to drink tap water, state press reported Thursday. The tidal phenomenon, caused by drought, is at its worst in several years with the salt water levels in some local rivers 12 times higher than standard drinking requirements, the China Daily said.

"The biggest salt water tide this year has now reached the province and it will last... until January 3," the paper quoted Guangdong's Department of Water Resources vice director Huang Qingliang as saying.

Fresh water supplies in Zhuhai and Zhongshan, two coastal cities in the province close to Macau, and Panyu district in the provincial capital of Guangzhou, will be most affected, according to the paper. It said the salt tides, which occur when sea water floods coastal areas because of serious drought, in the Pearl River Delta region has been worsening since September.

Water levels have fallen by 52.9 percent since last year because of the drought, the China Daily said, citing government statistics. The Xijiang and Beijiang rivers, two major tributaries of the Pearl river, witnessed their lowest-ever water levels in recent days, allowing the sea water to flow in, Huang said.

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http://www.terradaily.com/2005/051229053732.lpqnyzlh.html