China has issued a new regional plan to tackle river and lake pollution as part of its 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-15).

The plan, issued by the Ministry of the Environment Protection and three other ministries, says that by 2015, water quality in key rivers will be improved by reducing the amount of chemical emissions by nearly 10 percent.

The key rivers and lakes are divided into 315 units, across 23 provinces and regions.

Most factories and works in water catchment areas will be upgraded to meet strict environmental protection and pollution discharge standards before 2015.

They include papermills, food and beverage producers, coal mines, textile makers and chemical plants.

Water is essential. That's why it's more important than ever to regulate and protect this vital resource.

(CNTV.cn May 17, 2012)