Chinese official said in Beijing Friday that China's water shortage may reach 30 to 40 billion cubic meters in 2004.
   
"More than 400 of China's 660 cities lack water and over 110 are in a serious condition," said Zhang Qingfeng, deputy director of the Science and Technology Development and Promotion Center under the Ministry of Construction.
   
He noted that more than 20 million rural Chinese residents havebeen suffering shortage of drinking water.
   
"As a result, we should further enhance water saving and the prevention and control of water pollution in cities as a measure to protect our water resource," said Zhang.
   
He said that recycling water is a major task for China's implementation of sustainable development strategy.

(Xinhua News Agency November 15, 2004)