South-to-North Water Diversion Phase I Tops 90 Billion Cubic Metres as of August 2026

Water networks, new-type power grids, computing networks, next-generation communications networks, urban underground pipeline networks and logistics networks make up the "six networks." These six networks are an important lever for expanding domestic demand and driving effective investment, and a key vehicle for shoring up weak links in urban and rural development and improving public wellbeing. The state has set out plans for building the six networks.

As of August 10, 2026, the first-phase eastern and central routes of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project had transferred more than 90 billion cubic metres of water. Of that total, the first-phase central route accounted for more than 80.05 billion cubic metres and the first-phase eastern route for more than 9.95 billion cubic metres.

The diverted water provides a stable, high-quality source for 195 million people in seven provinces along the routes. From building the South-to-North Water Diversion cross-basin water-transfer "arteries" to opening up the dense "capillaries" of water supply in villages, water resources of various kinds are being allocated in an increasingly optimized way. The national water network now covers more than 80 percent of the country's land area.