On Sept 1, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment launched the second round of special inspection of the areas around the source of rivers across the country. From Sept 1 to 22, three batches of inspection teams inspected the areas around 956 river sources in 24 provincial-level administrative regions. And the fourth batch of six inspection teams has already arrived in six provinces and autonomous regions.

The inspection is aimed at protecting the water quality in the upper reaches of rivers so as to ensure drinking water is safe. Before the start of the inspection, 4,276 problems concerning river sources in the 24 provincial-level administrative regions had been reported. The inspection teams' main job is to check those sites and suggest remedial measures.

According to the first three batches of inspection teams, 2,827 problems have already been solved. The others are likely to be addressed within the year.

The fourth batch of inspection teams will study 1,975 problems in 354 river source areas in the six provinces and autonomous regions. Leading officials of the ministry said they will strengthen supervision to make sure the already solved problems do not recur. And local leading officials will be held accountable if they fail to correct the problems within schedule.

The ministry will continue accepting public opinions and complaints via telephone or WeChat public accounts.