Three Gorges Reservoir starts impoundment as 2020 flood season draws to close

The Three Gorges Reservoir, owned and operated by China Three Gorges Corporation (CTG), officially commenced its experimental 175-meter impoundment on September 10 as the 2020 flood season draws to close.

The starting water level of the impoundment is 154.83 meters, with 16.612 billion cubic meters of water to be stored.

During the process, the water level is expected to reach between 162 and 165 meters on September 30, and 175 meters in late October or November. The control of specific water levels at each stage will be adjusted according to real-time rainfall, flood control, water usage and other needs in the lower and upper reaches of the Yangtze River. When the Three Gorges Reservoir is full, it will deliver strong benefits to shipping, water supply, ecological protection and power generation for the coming winter and spring.

If successful, this year will mark the tenth consecutive year that the reservoir has achieved its experimental impoundment target of 175 meters. China Yangtze Power Co., Ltd, a listed subsidiary of CTG, will continue to closely monitor the rainfall situation and the meteorological and hydrological forecasts via its cascade hydropower plants. China Yangtze Power will devise a dynamic implementation plan for water storage based on those the meteorological and hydrological conditions so as to achieve the impoundment target while ensuring that China continues to enjoy the comprehensive benefits of the reservoir.