Rural Water Infrastructure Challenges in Zhejiang Amid Climate Pressures

In September 2021, China's Water Resources Minister reported improved rural water access under the Thirteenth Five-Year Plan. Zhejiang province had previously claimed near-universal tap water coverage. However, a case study of Wood-Stone Village reveals persistent issues. From October 2020 to January 2021, drought and freezing temperatures disrupted supply, forcing residents to use inadequately treated river water. The village relies on collective tanks built with government support, but maintenance and extreme weather expose vulnerabilities. Provincial plans aim to upgrade systems, but centralized approaches may lack flexibility for climate adaptation.