The Beijing municipal government is planning to gradually raise the water price over the next two years.

By 2005, the average water price will be increased from 3.8 yuan to 6 yuan, or 70 US cents, per cubic meter.

Meanwhile, the price of water used in residential quarters will rise from the current 2.9 yuan to 4.5 yuan, or 50 US cents, per cubic meter.

The Chinese capital is also planning to implement a graded water price policy but the related details have not been finalized.

(CRI April 21, 2004)