China has issued new national guidance aimed at strengthening the operation and maintenance of rural water supply systems, with a focus on reliability, water quality and long-term sustainability. The policy outlines a comprehensive approach covering the full supply chain, from water sources to household taps, and places particular emphasis on addressing weaknesses in less-developed rural areas. It also signals continued reform of pricing and funding mechanisms to balance public welfare with system viability.
The circular, jointly released by the Ministry of Water Resources and five other government departments, was published on 24 March 2026, according to the State Council website. It sets out a framework for building a more standardised and resilient rural water supply system nationwide.
Improving reliability and water quality in rural systems
A central objective of the circular is to ensure both adequate water quantity and consistent water quality for rural residents. Authorities are instructed to strengthen routine operation and maintenance, improve monitoring, and enhance emergency water supply capacity to better manage disruptions caused by natural disasters or system failures.
Special attention will be given to regions where infrastructure remains fragile or uneven. The guidance calls for targeted interventions to address weak links in existing systems, particularly in remote and less-developed rural areas, to improve overall supply reliability.
Pricing reform balanced with public welfare
The circular reiterates the importance of advancing rural water pricing reform in a measured manner. While encouraging prices that reflect operation and maintenance costs, it stresses that reforms must safeguard livelihoods and uphold the public welfare nature of essential water services.
This approach reflects a broader policy direction in China, where public service reforms are increasingly designed to combine financial sustainability with social protection, particularly in rural and vulnerable communities.
Diversified funding and private sector participation
To support long-term operation and maintenance, the policy encourages diversified funding sources. Private capital is invited to participate through integrated investment, construction and management models, while government funding is expected to play a guiding and stabilising role.
This model aims to improve efficiency and professional management in rural water services without reducing government oversight or responsibility for equitable access.
Progress in rural water access
China has made steady progress in expanding access to safe drinking water in rural areas. By the end of 2025, national rural tap water coverage had reached 96 percent, reflecting sustained investment in basic infrastructure and service delivery.
The renewed focus on operation, maintenance and governance comes as China continues to modernise public services more broadly, including through policy initiatives in areas such as health system reform and digital governance. Together, these efforts underscore an emphasis on improving service quality and resilience alongside expanded access.
