China has started the final task of completely filling up the Three Gorges reservoir. The project is expected to fully begin its multifunctional roles after 17 years of construction.

It could take until the end of October before the final level of 175 meters is reached. More than 10,000 monitoring devices are being used.

The water level cannot be raised more than three meters per day to protect navigation and industrial production downstream. When the reservoir is full, Three Gorges will be able to play its full role in flood control, power generation, and navigation.

(CCTV September 16, 2009)