Evaluation on the Current Situation of Integrated Treatment of Rural Sewage in China: A Case Study of Anhui Province

In 2017, China began to comprehensively control rural water pollution in two steps, and aims to complete the purification of rural domestic sewage by the end of 2030. The short-term goal was to implement rural drinking water safety as soon as possible, and the medium-term and long-term goals were to completely block all kinds of pollution sources. Based on the field survey data, a variety of mathematical models were established to evaluate the progress of rural sewage treatment, the operation efficiency of sewage treatment facilities and the current situation of water pollution in China. The results show that the short-term goal has been basically achieved. The rural tap water penetration rate has reached 98%, and about 95% of the water has reached the drinking standard. About 70% of the groundwater is safe for bathing. However, the rural economy is weak, the residence is scattered and the unit sewage treatment cost is high, so it is very difficult to implement rural sewage treatment. The implementation of medium-term and long-term goals is slow, especially the treatment rate of agricultural non-point source sewage and domestic sewage is generally low, and surface water such as rural ponds and reservoirs basically belongs to Class IV or Class V. The study found that the key to the poor effect and slow progress of sewage treatment is the lack of economic support. It is suggested that the government should further increase investment in rural sewage treatment facilities.

Automated summary

In 2017, China initiated comprehensive control measures for rural water pollution, with the aim of completing the purification of rural domestic sewage by 2030. Short-term goals focused on ensuring safe drinking water, while medium and long-term goals aimed to eliminate all sources of pollution. Mathematical models were used to assess progress in rural sewage treatment, the efficiency of treatment facilities, and the current state of water pollution in China. Results indicate that the short-term goals have been largely achieved, with a 98% rural tap water penetration rate and approximately 95% of water meeting drinking standards. However, implementing medium and long-term goals has been challenging due to weak rural economy, scattered residences, and high sewage treatment costs. The treatment rate for agricultural non-point source sewage and domestic sewage remains low, and surface water in rural areas is generally classified as Class IV or V. The study identified insufficient economic support as a key factor hindering effective sewage treatment, suggesting that the government should increase investment in rural sewage treatment facilities.