The protection of high quality waters in China calls for antidegradation policy

The deterioration of high quality waters has become an issue of great concern in China. The Chinese government has implemented a series of policies, laws and regulations to control water pollution and improve the surface water quality. However, these measures cannot fundamentally change the status of surface water pollution in China. Some high quality waters have been degraded and do not obtain effective protection. In this paper, we present our views that the lack of antidegradation policy restricts the protection of high quality waters in China. The viewpoint will be beneficial in solving the problem of water pollution in China and also to support other countries in their protection of high quality waters.