The water-intake pipelines for the Ligang Water Plant in Tongzhou district, Nantong, are completed on June 24, setting a world record for pipe-jacking. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

An underwater pipeline project serving the Ligang Water Plant in Tongzhou district, Nantong, reached a major milestone on June 24, with the installation of twin water-intake pipelines beneath the Yangtze River completed.

Measuring 3,214 meters and 3,208 m, respectively, the two pipelines set a new world record for the longest single-drive pipe-jacking of large-diameter steel pipelines.

The Ligang Water Plant is a key project for optimizing Nantong’s citywide water supply system and strengthening public livelihood.

Designed with a daily water supply capacity of 1.2 million cubic meters, including a first-phase capacity of 400,000 cu m, it will become Nantong’s largest water treatment plant once completed. 

The water supply will primarily cover northern Chongchuan district, northern Tongzhou district, Haimen, Qidong, Rudong, and Tongzhou Bay, while also serving Rugao, Hai'an, and Dongtai as supplementary areas.

Thanks to strong progress in the protection of the Yangtze River, the water quality in the river’s Nantong stretch has remained stable at Class II standards. The water-intake pipelines beneath the river will deliver clean, high-quality water to more residents.