Liuzhou, located in the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region of southern China, has been recognized for its exceptional water quality for the fifth consecutive year, according to the latest national assessment released in early 2024. The assessment classified the waters of Liuzhou as Class I and II in various locations, indicating their suitability for a range of ecological functions, including providing habitats for rare aquatic species and serving as viable sources of drinking water.

Historically, Liuzhou faced significant environmental challenges as an industrial hub, with a heavy concentration of over 3,000 enterprises in sectors like steel production, automobile manufacturing, and machinery.

These industries contributed to the pollution of local waterways, particularly the Liujiang River, which flows through the city.

In response to a deteriorating environmental situation marked by acid rain and polluted water bodies, Liuzhou's local government initiated a strategic pivot over two decades ago to address and mitigate pollution.

This involved systematic efforts to improve water quality and re-evaluate the role of industrial development in the region.

Residents like Tang Jianhua, who has lived in Liuzhou for 70 years and now swims in the river, attest to the dramatic changes in water quality.

Tang noted, "The water quality improved about 10 years ago, and I’ve been diving in the river for the past 13 years."

Liuzhou has consistently ranked first among prefecture-level cities in surface water quality assessments nationwide since 2020. Wei Songning, deputy director of the water ecological environment division at the Liuzhou ecology and environment bureau, indicated that the major sources of pollution—industrial and domestic wastewater—were effectively managed, with all wastewater outlets along the riverbank having been eliminated.

The Liujiang River, which serves as the primary water source for Liuzhou's population of approximately 4 million, has undergone significant rehabilitation.

Two decades ago, untreated household wastewater was directly discharged into the river, contributing to its pollution.

Zhou Wenyu, director of the urban utility management division of the housing and urban-rural development bureau, highlighted that the local government successfully intercepted all sewage pipes along the riverbanks.

By last year, all domestic wastewater outlets along the river had been removed.

Additionally, the Zhu'e Creek, once a tributary contributing to the pollution of the Liujiang River, has been the focus of cleanup efforts.

Zhou explained that many homes along this tributary used to discharge wastewater directly into it, creating foul conditions.

Following a decade of collaboration with wastewater management entities, significant progress has been made in controlling the pollution sources in the area.