In an interview with Li Shuqin, the project manager for the rain and sewage separation initiative in Jinzhou District, we discussed the completion of Dalian’s largest rainwater and sewage separation project, which recently commenced operations after over four years of construction.
Li explained that Jinzhou, as one of Dalian’s older districts, had been grappling with an outdated underground pipe system where rainwater and sewage were often mixed. With rapid urban growth, industrial expansion, and a rising population, the old pipeline infrastructure could no longer handle the increased demand for drainage. This highlighted the urgent need for a rainwater and sewage separation system.
“The project encompasses every residential community, school, hospital, factory, as well as roads and public squares throughout the district,” began Li. “It’s truly a ‘capillary’ project, involving extensive coordination among various utilities, including electricity, water supply, communications, and heating.”
The project comprises 36 sub-items and covers a total pipeline length of 120.1 kilometers. It includes the construction and expansion of sewage and rainwater systems, aiming to effectively separate and manage these two types of water.
Currently, approximately 116.5 kilometers of the rain and sewage pipeline have been completed. With the main project now operational, it promises to implement a fully integrated “smart operation.”
Li Kun, who oversees the project operations, elaborated, “Through collaboration with the sewage treatment plant, we’ve developed a comprehensive management network for both rainwater and sewage, facilitating automated processes.” He noted that the system includes automated sewage lifting stations that adjust their operations based on the water levels within the pipelines. “The system handles around 6,000 cubic meters of wastewater daily, meeting the drainage needs of Jinzhou.”
Additionally, given Jinzhou’s proximity to the Bohai Sea and its high groundwater levels, the project has effectively minimized pollution. By utilizing digital monitoring for pipeline assessments and accurately reserving gaps for well openings, the team has achieved a remarkable “zero emission” status, ensuring that rainwater flows into rivers while sewage is directed to treatment facilities.
With the rainwater and sewage separation system now in use, Jinzhou’s 52 square kilometers will transform into a zone with “zero pollution” discharge into the sea. This urban infrastructure renewal aims to mitigate flooding and enhance the district’s resilience, ultimately benefiting approximately 1.6 million residents of Jinzhou.
