Three Gorges Reservoir Releases 10 Billion cu m of Water in Dry Season

China's Three Gorges reservoir released 10 billion cubic meters of water from mid-December 2020 to April 8 this year, supplying water for regions at the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River.

The water was diverted as rainfall was relatively low in the first quarter, which caused water shortage in some places.

China Three Gorges Corporation (CTG), operator of the reservoir, strengthened coordination between water conservancy, shipment and power departments to ensure water supply.

During the period, the average water outflow speed of the reservoir was 7,710 cubic meters per second, 980 cubic meters per second faster than the inflow speed.

The water level of the reservoir had dropped to 163.45 meters by April 8.

In addition, cargo transport through the Three Gorges Dam was 33.14 million metric tons in the first quarter this year, a year-on-year growth of 13.9 percent, which guaranteed smooth shipment and transport of Spring Festival supplies.

Power demand soared to a new high caused by several cold waves. CTG improved its power generation capacity to ensure power supply by operating as many as 26 generator units.

The daily power generation reached more than 300 million kWh during the period.

Next, the company will focus on flood and rain monitoring and prepare fully for the upcoming flood season.

A view of the downstream of the Three Gorges reservoir [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]

A distant view of the Three Gorges Dam [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]

(Executive editor: Wang Ruoting)