Beijing’s Water Crisis: 1949-2008 Olympics with 2010 Update

(June 26, 2008) Beijing’s policy of draining surrounding regions to ease water shortages in the ancient capital is akin to "quenching thirst by drinking poison," according to a new report by Probe International’s Beijing-based researchers. Now with a 2010 Update.

Three Gorges increases water flow to feed thirsty Yangtze River

The Three Gorges Dam began on Thursday to increase water flow by 400 cubic meters per second to feed the thirsty middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River.

"The increase will make the water that flows into the dam reach 4,800 cubic meters per second and ensures 1.8 billion kilowatt-hours more electricity is generated," said Yuan Jie, a senior engineer with the project.

"The water level in the Three Gorges reservoir will fall by four meters from the current 155 meters," Yuan said.