China is to adopt a new urban drinking water standard effective June 1, to ensure the safety of drinking water for urban residents across the country.

An official with the Ministry of Construction, Cao Yanjin, says compared with the current standard, the new one has increased many test items on water quality as well as stricter test requirements.

The new standard also pays special attention to ward off pollution from industrial waste water and pesticides.

The official notes that the new standard also calls for local governments and water-supply enterprises strengthen efforts for water resources protection and improve sewage disposal technology.

The current standard was promulgated two decades ago and can't meet residents' rising demand for drinking water quality.

(CRI April 18, 2005)