The bureau of ecology and environment of Siping – the prefecture-level city located in Northeast China's Jilin province – recently held a news conference to explain its plans for water ecological and environmental protection in the key river basins in the city during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25).

The plans reportedly set out the guiding precepts, basic principles and main goals of the city's water ecological and environmental protection work during the five-year period – as well as outline proposed key tasks, main measures and support measures.

Under the plans, in terms of water ecology, the goal is to initially restore waterway system functions, and the integrity index of aquatic organisms should be raised to overall healthy levels.

Elsewhere, the goal is to stock the Dongliao and Zhaosutai rivers with indigenous fish.

In terms of its water environment, plans are for continuous improvements to the environmental quality to be achieved. The water quality of national and provincial control sections, under the plans, should be stable and reach targeted requirements.

Meanwhile, the water quality of centralized drinking water sources in administered cities at the county level and above should all reach or exceed Grade III, with relatively good quality.

In addition, under the blueprint black and malodorous water bodies in built-up urban areas should be eliminated.