Pricing for a blue revolution

China's economic growth during the past three decades has been dazzling. During this period, the country has lifted an estimated 650 million people out of poverty. The speed and extent of this growth is unprecedented in human history. Viewed from any direction, this has been a remarkable transformation.

This breakneck growth, however, has been achieved at considerable environmental and social costs. Among these are extensive air, water and soil pollution. And as people's standards of living have increased, they have become more aware of the potential impacts of air, water and soil pollution on their quality of life.

In the area of water pollution, much of the discussion in China and the rest of the world has been focused on special situations such as the floating of some 16,000 dead pigs in Huangpu River, which supplies the city of Shanghai with some of its drinking water. However, serious discussion on how to provide China's 1.35 billion people with clean and safe water, that is water which could be drunk from the tap or source without any adverse health impacts, is conspicuous by its absence.