The water level in the Three Gorges Dam has been lowered by more than 10 metres over the past four months so as to maintain shipping conditions and demand for water in downstream locations. The water level behind the dam was 163 metres on 8 March, compared with 172.8 meters in early November, said the China Three Gorges Project Corporation. The dam will continue to discharge water for downstream use until April, according to an engineer of the station. Water levels are then expected to rise naturally during the wetter summer months.