The largest water reclamation plant in Asia was officially put into operation on Oct. 27. Located in Beijing, the underground plant reclaims 600,000 cubic meters of water every day, which is equal to the sewage discharged by 2 million families on a daily basis. Relieving the pressure of sewage treatment in the southern part of the city, the plant will also improve water quality in the rivers of Beijing.

The water reclamation plant is built under a wetland park, collecting and treating sewage in the western part of the city. The first basement floor is open to traffic, while basements two and three are filled with pipes. The plant is as large as 20 Bird's Nest stadiums.

With a fully enclosed water treatment process, the plant generates no smell or noise. According to an employee of the plant, it takes 17 hours to reclaim water.

"Treated water meets most water quality standards, except for drinking and swimming," the employee added.