Solutions of Water Scarcity in Northern Part in China Based on Water Supply

Solutions of Water scarcity in northern part in China based on water supply

Abstract

China is suffering from serious water scarcity; the northern part of China is even worse comparing to the other area. Water scarcity in Northern China is characterized by shortage of water resource and the decrease of water quality. Water scarcity has caused this region not only economic but also environmental loss. The uneven spatial distribution of water sources, water pollution from agriculture, industry, and rapid industrialization and urbanization are concerned to be the three main factors which contribute to the water scarcity of Northern China. This paper aimed to discuss some solutions of the water scarcity of Northern China based on water supply. There are three main solutions based on water supply: water reclamation, water conservancy project, technical innovation on water use management. Water reclamation contains rainwater collection, reverse osmosis, sewage purification. Water reclamation is a process which can increase the amount of water resource for most agriculture and industry purposes. The conservancy project is the most controversial solution of water scarcity. This paper will focus on the South-North water transfer as it is the largest one of the same kind projects and it is undertaken now. The design aim, process and consequences will be discussed in the paper. Technical innovation on water use management most contribute to agriculture water use.

Introduction

China is facing the increasing water scarcity. The total amount of water resources in China ranks the country sixth in the world, while the water has to support about 20% of the total population. The large population causes that the per capita water availability in China only about 25 percent of the world’s average level. Moreover, it is established that 60 percent Chinese cities are experiencing water shortage, and more than 100 cities have severe water constrains (Browder, G, 2007). In...