Citizens in Beijing are embracing for a severe water shortage as the city's water supply is enough for only 10 months.   

Beijing has endured a long drought of four consecutive years and this year is expected to become the fifth one. Water level in the city's two reservoirs are on the wane.

A report submitted to the local People's Congress last week says water shortage is becoming an important factor affecting the capital city's economic and social development.

Per capita water resources in Beijing stands at less than 300 cubic meters a year, only one eighth of the national average and one 32th of that of the world.

(CRI September 10, 2003)