The recent drought in southwestern China, which has lasted for some time now, has continued to spread.

The hardest hit area, Yunnan province, is at the source of the East River, which supplies most of the fresh water we use in Hong Kong. Although our water supply is not yet affected by the water shortage on the mainland, we are shocked by news footage and photographs showing the severe drought situation across the border.

Some elderly Hongkongers I know recalled the days of the early 1960s when water shortages and rationing became a constant reality.

In June 1963, water rationing came into full force, with water supply resuming only once every four days. The suffering was especially severe once summer began. These painful memories have been renewed by the current drought in many parts of the country.

The current dry spell on the mainland serves as a reminder that pledges of environmental protection and conservation of water resources must be matched by action. They must be put into practice in our daily lives.

In 1965, Guangdong province, under direct arrangement by the State Council, launched the East River Water Supply Project, which started to provide an endless supply of clean fresh water to Hong Kong. From then onward, water shortages in Hong Kong became history. This development also goes a long way to show the intimate relationship between Hong Kong and the mainland.

Yet, since water shortages are no longer cause for concern, many people take the endless supply of fresh water for granted. The young generation has no knowledge of the water rationing experience four decades ago. Saving water is not a general habit here and water wastage is very common.

The mainland drought has sent a warning signal to us. Should the dry spell continue, the reduction of the East River water reserve is highly possible. The SAR government must make prior preparations, and should let the public know through the media if it has not already done so, in order to prevent massive panic and social crisis should a water shortage really materialize.

To help strengthen the concept of water conservation, raising water tariffs after appropriate consultation looks like the way to go.

Should the drought in southwest China persist, the SAR government ought to render assistance to the drought victims by buying drinking water and shipping it to the disaster areas through special transportation arrangements, after liaison with local governments concerned. Hong Kong's business sector could also make a contribution.

Hong Kong society has always been eager to provide humanitarian aid whenever there are natural disasters in the motherland. This time should be no exception. It will certainly lose no time in launching a new wave of fund-raising campaigns.

The author is a commentator of the Phoenix Satellite TV.

(HK Edition 03/27/2010 page1)