A mouth of a spring was discovered when a team of engineers in Datong, Northern China's Shanxi province, was constructing a flood control drainage system in the county on July 24. It is located at the base of the volcanic area in the county, and has a daily flow of 2,000 cubic meters. Many springs have been found in this area.

The county has abundant water resources. Apart from two rivers running across it, the county has 16 reservoirs, and its overall volume of water resource is 105 million cubic meters per year, equivalent to 620 cubic meters per capita, which is 1.6 times that of the province's average. In recent years, the county has been devoting itself to ecological construction. Currently, forest coverage has reached 1 million mu (0.7 billion square meters), covering 31.8% of the county, helping to conserve the water much better, and enhance the local economy.

The volcanic area has formed many fissures, and at the bottom of the springs can be found volcanic sand mixed with clay, making a natural waterproof coating. These factors contribute to shallow water zones that are rare in Northern China. The reservoirs are the main water source of the residents in the county and surrounding areas.

In addition, the local government is constructing a lake park–Xiping Park–to protect the mouth of the springs and improve the ecological environment in the volcanic area.

Xiping Park [Photo/dtnews.cn]

The discovery of the spring should have a positive effect on attracting investment and social welfare.