World Environment Day | Exploring the Wastewater Purification Journey at Dali Ancient City Reclaimed Water Plant

On June 5th, the publicity campaign for World Environment Day, themed "Building a Modernization where Humans and Nature Harmoniously Coexist" in Dali Prefecture, visited the sunken-type reclaimed water plant operated by China Water Environment Group Limited (CWEG) near Erhai Lake. The purpose was to explore the mysteries behind transforming wastewater into clean water.

During the event, participants raised questions such as "Why is it important to protect Erhai Lake?" "Where does our domestic wastewater go?" and "Can treated wastewater be reused?" A group of more than 100 participants, including officials from the Ecological and Environmental Bureau of Dali Prefecture and its affiliated units, as well as student representatives, ventured into the sunken-type reclaimed water plant in Dali operated by China Water Environment Group.

Through on-site visits to the Erhai Lake Protection and Governance Innovation Practice Exhibition Hall and detailed explanations from on-site guides about the various stages of wastewater collection and treatment processes, the participants unveiled the secrets of the sunken-type reclaimed water plant. Even elementary school students present showed a keen interest in understanding how "wastewater" transforms into "reclaimed water" in our daily lives.

Entering the plant area, the surroundings were immaculate, resembling a large scientific laboratory. The treatment equipment inside the water plant is enclosed by fences or glass covers, and foul odors are uniformly conveyed to a biological deodorization device through negative pressure suction for deodorization. The wastewater is rid of impurities through grating, and the treated reclaimed water meets the national Class A discharge standards. With the natural advantage of being underground, the sunken-type reclaimed water plant effectively isolates noise and sewage odors, achieving harmonious coexistence with the environment and people.

The significance of protecting Erhai Lake is everlasting, with benefits for contemporary times. The reclaimed water plant intercepts domestic wastewater from entering Erhai Lake and processes it nearby. The treated effluent can be used for urban landscape water and agricultural irrigation, effectively preventing wastewater from entering the lake, promoting the reuse of effluent, and contributing to the continuous improvement of Erhai Lake water quality. Simultaneously, the sunken-type reclaimed water plant realizes green development of both underground and surface spaces. It plans and constructs supporting tourism service facilities around Erhai Lake, exploring a new path that integrates pollution control with green development, thus contributing to the construction of a green ecological civilization in Dali.

Through this activity, the concept of "Lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets" has deeply resonated with the public, promoting public participation, encouraging the public to become active promoters of ecological civilization, exemplary practitioners of green and low-carbon living, and tireless advocates for ecological and environmental protection. Through practical actions, the participants are embodying the concept of protecting Erhai Lake, working together to build and protect the beautiful homeland of Dali.