However, Beijing's environment bureau says water quality has "not been affected so far" by the illegal dump, Xinhua adds.

BBC: China media: No support for Abe

We welcomed increasing regional cooperation under the U.S.-Lower Mekong Initiative (LMI) in the areas of energy security, health, agriculture and food security, education, connectivity, environment and water, which significantly contributes to quality of life and capacity building among the Lower Mekong Basin countries, and supports ASEAN's aim of narrowing the development gap among its Member States and addressing the common challenges.

WHITEHOUSE: Joint Statement of the 4th ASEAN-U.S. Leaders' Meeting

Torbay Council said initial samples taken by the Environment Agency after the sewage pumping showed bathing water quality had not been affected.

BBC: Torbay sewage pumping 'not affecting beach water quality'

Indeed life, as well as the environment and most human activities, depend on the availability of adequate quantities of water of an acceptable quality.

FORBES: World Water Day 2013: Water Can Be Fought Over or Shared, But Cooperation Brings More Benefits for All

The degradation of water quality in surface and groundwater systems is further exacerbating water scarcity and negatively impacting our natural environment and the ecosystem services and goods that it provides, jeopardizing food security and livelihoods.

UNESCO: World Water Day 22 March 2010: Clean Water for a Healthy World