Abstract
Global warming has led to a serious crisis on regional water resources. Establishing a decision support system (DSS) on the sustainable utilization of water resources for arid areas is an increasingly critical problem. Selecting Xinjiang as a case study, this paper developed a system dynamics (SD) model. Through the simulation operation of the model, we achieved the decision on sustainable utilization of water resources. The extensive economic development is the main factor restricting the sustainable utilization of water resources in Xinjiang. We propose to adjust the planting structure and implement water-saving irrigation in Xinjiang, especially the Tarim Basin and Turpan-Hami Basin. This research provides the sustainable utilization plan of water resources for Xinjiang and its sub-regions in the next 30 years. By 2050, we recommend that the reuse rate of urban domestic water consumption and industrial sewage should reach 75%; the rural domestic water quota should be 70 L/(person·day); water consumption per industrial output value of ten thousand Yuan should be 28 m3; the irrigation water quota should be 5000 m3/hectare in Xinjiang. This research can provide references for the decision on sustainable utilization of water resources in arid regions around the world.
Highlights
Water is a crucial natural resource supporting life on Earth and underpinning equitable, stable, and productive societies and ecosystems [1]
Xinjiang accounts for one-sixth of the total land area in China, but its water resources account for only 4% (Figure 3a)
Global warming has led to a serious crisis on regional water resources
Summary
Water is a crucial natural resource supporting life on Earth and underpinning equitable, stable, and productive societies and ecosystems [1]. The excessive development and utilization of water resources, water pollution, and deterioration of the water environment disrupted the regional water cycle process, exacerbating water resources risks [3]. It brings instability to water supply and puts pressure on sustainable utilization of water resources [6,7,8,9]. In this context, there is an urgent need to assess and predict the trends and evolution of water resources and formulate appropriate policies for water resources management to deal with the increasing water crisis.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
