Water quality: its practical implications to sustainable development in the Pearl River Delta, China

This paper reviews the interactions between water supply, surface water quality, environmental management
and sustainable development in the Pearl River Delta. As an economic center of the Pearl
River Delta, Hong Kong has to import about 80 % of its potable water from Dongjiang. Ironically, the
factories, which are invested by Hong Kong residents are believed to be one of the major sources of
water pollution to Dongjiang. The present paper critically reviews this dilemma, and suggests practical
solutions for achieving the 'win-win' scenario in water resource management and sustainable development
in the 21st Century.