Security assessment of urban drinking water sources II. Security assessment for cities in China

Based on investigation data the present situation of urban drinking water sources security, including the safety of water quality and quantity, in cities of China was assessed by using the assessment method and indicator system proposed in this paper. The affected population and regional distribution as well as the causes of the unqualified water sources were analyzed. The risk and capability of handling the emergency event of drinking water were also qualitatively assessed. A general assessment shows that the global security status of urban drinking water sources in cities of China is severe. Among the 4555 cities to be investigated, water qualities in 638 cities are unqualified and water quantities in 1233 cities can not up to standard. The affected population is about 94.8 million. The drinking water in 205 cities is unsafe. The pollution risks of drinking water sources are high and the emergency handling capabilities of most cities are low. Based on these analysis results, a security assurance plan for urban drinking water sources in China is suggested.