Sound bites

"Since 2010 we have been improving the water supply network by spraying a repair coating inside pipes, which will be extended by 2,000 km as planned. The water diversion project will bring more benefits to residents."

Zhang Haixiang, an engineer at Beijing Waterworks Group

"It's amazing to drink water coming from southern China through more than 1,000 kilometers of pipes. So long as the quality is better, we can accept an increase in the price of water."

Wang Jinzhi of Zhoukou, Henan province, who owns a small shop selling meatloaf in Beijing

(China Daily European Weekly 10/03/2014 page25)