Water is cleaner thanks to lockdowns, but how do we keep it this way?
By Xu Chenlu

This April, people in Venice surprisingly found a jellyfish swimming in the now empty canals close to St. Mark's Square, which used to be a crowded scenic spot filled with people and gondolas. Officials said that clear water was key to attracting this beautiful visitor.

A jellyfish swimming in a Venetian canal. /Image is a web video still

A jellyfish swimming in a Venetian canal. /Image is a web video still

In fact, Venice is not the only place that has witnessed changes in its waters. India, a country with many polluted rivers, saw a significant improvement in its water quality too. A government report showed that water quality in both the River Yamuna and the Ganges improved during the lockdown.

Scenery by India's River Ganges /VCG

Scenery by India's River Ganges /VCG

China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment has released a report on the status of the country's water quality over the past five months. The report showed that over 80 percent of the surface water quality was graded Class I to III (Good). In the major rivers such as the Yangtze River and the Yellow River, about 84 percent of their water quality was graded Class I to III. Compared from the same period last year, China's water quality has significantly improved.

The Yangtze River's water quality has improved amid the pandemic. /VCG

The Yangtze River's water quality has improved amid the pandemic. /VCG

The reduction in human activities is giving nature a chance to clean its waters. Having been polluted daily by the discharge of chemicals, pesticides and human littering, our water systems have finally had a chance to clear up. The improving quality is reminding us of the heavy influence human activities have had on water.

The improvement in water quality after lockdowns serves as a reminder of the negative influence of human activity /VCG

The improvement in water quality after lockdowns serves as a reminder of the negative influence of human activity /VCG

Water is crucial in almost all forms of life. Good water quality will have a long-term positive impact on Earth, especially for us human beings. As COVID-19 is forcing us to stay home, we are given an opportunity to reflect on how we have been influencing nature. But more importantly, once the pandemic is over and things go back to normal, what can we do to keep our rivers clean?

Water is crucial in virtually all forms of life. /VCG

Water is crucial in virtually all forms of life. /VCG

Here are some of the things we can do in our daily life to safeguard clean water:

1. Choose environmentally friendly household products.

2. Do not litter anywhere, especially in water systems.

3. Keep an eye on polluting factories and report them to government agencies.

(Cover image via VCG.)

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at nature@cgtn.com)