Analysis of the Change in Rural Water Supply in Guangdong Province from 2008 to 2011

Objectives To grasp the change trend of rural water supply and provide scientific basis for next water improvement programs.

Methods The rural water quality monitoring network data of Guangdong Province from the National Information System for Disease Control and Prevention of Health Hazards in 2008-2011 were downloaded and analyzed.

Results The proportion of population using surface water as drinking water source was rising year by year from 2008 to 2011 (56.42%, 56.97%, 60.09% and 61.17%), while that using groundwater as drinking water source was decreasing (43.58%, 43.03%, 39.91% and 38.83%). The source of drinking water in rural areas of Guangdong Province was mainly from river, reservoir and shallow well water, followed by stream and spring water, and a smaller percentage from lake and pond water. The proportion of population using centralized water supply was rising from 2008 to 2011 (60.09%, 60.14%, 64.01% and 66.90%), while that using decentralized water supply was in a downward trend (37.79%, 38.01%, 35.99% and 33.27%). The people using complete processed centralized water supply accounted 40% of total rural population. The qualified rates of centralized water supply were 45.74%, 46.25%, 58.10% and 61.04%, and those of decentralized water supply were 17.23%, 24.21%, 31.59% and 42% in a rising trend from 2008 to 2011.

Conclusion The proportion of population using decentralized water supply in rural areas was decreased, on the contrary, those using centralized water supply was increased. The qualified rate of water supply was increased from 2008 to 2011. The proportion of population using decentralized water supply was still high, and the qualified rate of water supply was still low; thus accelerating the construction of rural drinking water projects, strengthening the popularization of tap water and water quality management should be continued.