According to Guangdong's astronomy association, the biggest saltwater tide this year reached the Pearl River Delta area yesterday (Dec 27) and will last for eight days until Jan. 3 of next year. The fresh water supply in Zhuhai, Zhongshan and Panyu district of Guangzhou will be affected.

According to Shenzhen Daily's report, the drought in the Delta region has been worsening since September this year. As a result, seawater is flowing into the Pearl River and its tributaries, and many cities along the river are running short of fresh water.

The Xijiang River, an important tributary of the Pearl River, witnessed a record low water level of 2.51 meters Sunday with a water flow of 1,480 cubic meters per second, a drastic drop from the 26.69-meter water level and 51,000-cubic-meter-per-second water flow June 23.

Zhuhai government call on the city to save water and drink bottled water instead of tap water. The city also decides to stop water supply to gardening in public areas and communities, car washing and sauna bath business for a week. 

Guangzhou will not be serious affected for the city's water plant can offer sufficient fresh water.

The saltwater tide will not affect Shenzhen as the water level in the Dongjiang River, the city's water source, has remained high, the newspaper said, quoting the province's astronomy association.

Editor: Donald