China water firms: Steaming hot, or just warming up?

CHINA is notorious for its pollution and environmental problems. The Chinese government, in response, has been strengthening regulations and committing money to fight air pollution.

China also faces a severe water scarcity problem. This is partly due to geography. Southern and eastern China enjoy abundant rainfall and is filled with fertile lowlands. Western and northern China, by contrast, is made up of deserts and mountains, and can face water shortages. China's capital Beijing has been worrying about water shortages.

Factories that release untreated waste and chemicals into rivers exacerbate the problem, causing many people to fall ill from drinking contaminated water.