Dynamic Change in the Bearing Capacity of Water Resources in the Loess Plateau---A Case Study in Shanxi, Shaanxi, Ningxia and Gansu Provinces

Abstract

The bearing capacity of water resources plays an important role in regional economic development as well as the lives of individuals.Accordingly,a throughout understanding of the bearing capacity of regional water resources is the key for continuously optimizing the regional society,economy and environment to utilize water resources in a sustainable manner.In this study,the bearing capacity of water resources in 4 provinces located in the Loess Plateau,Shanxi,Shaanxi and Gansu and the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region,were evaluated for the period of 1994-2004 using the fuzzy assessment model in conjunction with evaluating factors such as the utilization efficiency of water resources,precipitation,per capita water resources and ecological water consumption.The results revealed that the bearing capacity of water resources in the 4 provinces in the Loess Plateau increased slowly from 1994 to 2004,which indicated that water resources in these provinces were in a positive development trend.Furthermore,the bearing capacity of water resources in Shanxi and Shaanxi provinces was found to be relatively high,and there was the potential for utilization of addition of water.Conversely,the level of water resources exploitation and utilization in Gansu Province and the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region was very high,and the bearing capacity of water resources had reached its limit;therefore,stream-diversion projects and water-saving measures were necessary in these regions.