Beijing's per capita water volume is 150 cubic meters, a third of which is provided by the south-to-north water diversion project, which began supplying water to the capital last month.

This volume, however, is still far behind the world average.

In response to its prevalent water shortages, Beijing last year brought in a tiered pricing system.

Presently, the lowest tier price is 5 yuan per cubic meter for households with annual consumption of less than 180 cubic meters. This lowest tier covers 90 percent of all households.

Households with annual water consumption between 180 and 260 cubic meters are charged 7 yuan per cubic meter, while those that use more than 260 cubic meters a year must pay 9 yuan.

Meanwhile, industries must pay 8.15 yuan per cubic meter.

The price for major water consumers -- such as purified water plants, car washes and bath houses, as well as golf courses and ski resorts -- is 160 yuan per cubic meter.