Tianjin University students collect data for Gansu's digital water management

In the mountain village of Tanchang, nestled in Northwest China's Gansu province, a noble endeavor to secure access to clean and healthy drinking water has taken center stage.

Against the backdrop of a meaningful slogan emblazoned on a vibrant wall, a spirited gathering of student volunteers from Tianjin University's School of Environmental Science and Engineering posed for an iconic photo. This dynamic group had embarked on a four-day summer expedition, traversing the region to gather crucial data from 100 rural water supply facilities scattered across Tanchang county.

Their mission was more than just a data collection exercise, as Liu Kaili, the team leader of the Data Collection Group, elucidated, "The data we have diligently gathered will play a pivotal role in the creation of a cutting-edge digital water management platform for effective water supply and drainage in the region."Tanchang county's challenging mountainous terrain has long posed obstacles to the implementation of safe drinking water projects. The region has grappled with issues such as widely dispersed water supply facilities spread across vast mountainous areas, heavy reliance on personnel, and soaring labor costs.

In an inspiring partnership aimed at safeguarding the county's rural drinking water and boosting its overall prosperity, Tianjin University, acting as the rural revitalization partner of Tanchang, harnessed the power of state-of-the-art online monitoring devices to establish a groundbreaking digital water management platform for water supply and drainage.

Zhu Jiyue, a diligent supervisor from Tianjin University, highlighted the platform's significance, explaining, "With its remote monitoring, real-time alerts, online supervision, and intelligent capabilities, this platform will effectively enhance the management of water supply projects, significantly reducing costs while ensuring water safety. Additionally, it will foster water environment protection and facilitate the reduction of water pollution, contributing to an elevated level of digital governance within the county."

The data collection process proved to be the initial and most crucial phase in constructing this innovative water management platform. However, it wasn't without its challenges. Most of the water supply facilities were perched atop rugged mountains, demanding relentless efforts from the data collection group. Liu remarked, "Covering 100 data sites within a mere four days, traversing demanding routes - we faced numerous trials and tribulations." Yet, fueled by the knowledge that their dedication could translate into safer and purer drinking water for countless people in the rural area and elevate the community's water management standards, every ounce of their exertion was imbued with purpose.

This noble endeavor by the Tianjin University team formed an integral part of the transformative summer practice activities organized by the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Ecological Civilization Education Practice and Innovation Alliance. This visionary alliance, spearheaded by nine esteemed institutions, including China Environmental News, Tianjin University, the University of Science and Technology of Beijing, Hebei University of Technology, and Hebei Finance University, ardently advocates for China's ecological civilization ideology through a multitude of practical and impactful initiatives.