Residents in Hengsha Island, Chongming District, can now enjoy better quality water from city's largest water source Qingcaosha Reservoir after newly-built pump stations connecting the island with the city's main water supply system went into operation yesterday, Shanghai Water Authority announced.

Xinmin Pump Station, one of the three stations on the island, started operations yesterday morning, supplying islanders with water from Qingcaosha Reservoir, effectively putting an end to the island's history of well water use. Some 6,000 residents living in three nearby villages and part of the town are the first group to benefit from the project. 

The other two stations will be ready at the end of this month, providing the entire island population of more than 36,000 to enjoy the reservoir water. That stage will mark the completion of Shanghai's tap water supply network in rural areas.