Hydraulic Challenges in Grand Canal Maintenance The water source in many areas of the canal was extremely poor. In order to solve the problem of water source, the Ming Dynasty adopted the measures of leading the springs from Yuquan Mountain to flow into Huitong River to guarantee adequate water flow for transportation.

Throughout history, China's Grand Canal—the world's longest artificial waterway—has faced severe logistical and environmental challenges. A major historical crisis occurred in 1825 when a massive breach led to the abandonment of grain transport via the canal in favor of sea routes. Environmentally, rapid urbanization in 2026 continues to impact the canal's water quality. Industrial runoff has introduced harmful heavy metals, and petroleum spills from modern vessels have created ecological "dead zones" in certain segments. Additionally, low dissolved oxygen levels caused by excessive waste and reclamation remain a persistent sanitary issue. Historically, the canal's disrepair also led to social unrest, as unemployed transport workers often turned to rebellion when the waterway could no longer support their livelihoods.