Spatially explicit estimation of domestic water use in the arid region of northwestern China: 1985–2009

Abstract

Determination of the spatial and temporal trends in domestic water use is vital for making adequate and sustainable water management strategies, especially in arid regions. In this study, domestic water-use models considering socio-economic factors were developed to analyse spatial and temporal trends in domestic water use at a resolution of 4 km × 4 km in the arid region of northwestern China in the period 1985–2009. The results indicate that total annual domestic water use increased from 305.34 × 106 m3/year in 1985 to 1188.53 × 106 m3/year in 2009. Per capita domestic water use increased rapidly, especially in urban areas. A spatial disparity in per capita domestic water use and total annual domestic water use was apparent. The pressure of high domestic water use on water resources was found in some river basins, particularly the Shiyang River basin. The presented models can be successfully applied for estimating domestic water use in this region. However, there are several uncertainties due to the lack of data. Despite these uncertainties, the modelling results can provide important information for managers and planners on sustainable water use in this region. Furthermore, these models have the potential to be applied for estimation of future domestic water use in other regions. Editor Z.W. Kundzewicz Citation Guo, B., Chen, Y.N., Shen, Y.J., Li, W.H., and Wu, C.B, 2013. Spatially explicit estimation of domestic water use in the arid region of northwestern China: 1985–2009. Hydrological Sciences Journal, 58 (1), 1–15.