Water Safety Checks In Beijing Ahead Of Olympics

Ahead of the Olympics, special teams would conduct daily safety checks of the vast water network in the water problem-hit host city of Beijing, an official said. Patrol staff and maintenance workers would carry out round-the-clock checks and maintenance of water pipelines and ground water systems, the official with the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Water Affairs said. The Games will be held in August, which is the annual flood season in Beijing. The routine checks will cover sound drainage of rain water, especially in the sports venues, the official Yu Yaping was quoted as saying by the Xinhua news agency. Water safety has been identified by authorities as a key factor in the success of hosting the prestigious event in Beijing, which faces water supply problems but has to guarantee sufficient water for the Olympics. Water diverted through the country's south-north diversion project will reach Beijing by March. Beijing's neighboring province, Hebei, would contribute its reservoir water to back up the national capital's supply. Many large "waterscapes" have also sprung up as part of efforts to beautify Beijing for the big event. The bureau is also responsible for detecting groundwater pollution.