Shunting of sewage reducing pollution

Jiading District launched a rainwater and sewage shunting project to reduce water pollution sources as a part of the district’s old residential community renovation campaign in 2015. So far, 74 residential communities in Jiading have completed the project.

According to officials with the district’s water authority, a residential building usually has two pipeline systems, one for sewage and another for rainwater. The sewage pipeline connects domestic water pipes and water treatment plants. The rainwater pipeline is connected to the rooftop of residential building. The water flowing through rainwater pipelines will be directly discharged in the nearest rivers and lakes.

In some old residential communities in Jiading, many residents prefer to install washing machines on balconies to save room.

However, the balconies in old residential buildings don’t have rainwater pipes. The sewage from washing machines can only flow through the rainwater pipes and be directly discharged to waterways.

Phosphorus, a nutrient in liquid detergent and washing powder, may cause excessive algae growth in rivers and lakes.

Jinsha Residential Community has 316 households. Before the sewage system upgrading, 60 tons of laundry sewage was discharged to the rainwater pipes every month.

“I live on the ground floor. Before the rainwater and sewage shunting, the sewage was often discharged into the open ditch and caused a bad smell,” said resident Lu Weiping.