Authorities in Binzhou of east China's Shandong Province have announced plans to cut off water supply in the city's major urban communities for eleven hours on March 22, in a bid to raise public awareness¹ of water conservation, reports the Beijing Youth Daily.

 

《北京青年报》报道，山东滨州市政府宣布，计划于3月22日在市内主要社区停水11小时，以唤醒公众的节水意识。

 

The water resources bureau of Binzhou on Monday issued a document on launching an event called the "water shortage experience day" to mark this year's World Water Day, which falls on March 22. Downtown residents will have no access to tap water from 9:30 am to 8:30 pm on Thursday.

 

Some people applauded the decision, saying it will make them realize the importance of saving water. Some others, however, have complained that the move will seriously affect their daily life and cause inconvenience.

 

A staff member form the Binzhou water resources bureau said that the plan will affect only household water supply and not that of key public institutions, such as hospitals, schools and businesses. Authorities are also requiring that all affected² residents must be informed of the shutdown before March 21 in order to be prepared.

 

The move is reportedly the second of its kind in the city. The first one was held on the same day of 2007, when residents were provided with limited water supply. The municipal water authority claimed their first try was a success, thus they want to go a step further this year.

点击收听单词发音