Urban Green-space Water-consumption characteristics and its driving factors in China

Abstract

Understanding the characteristics of urban green-space water consumption is crucial to sustainable urban development under urbanization and water scarcity. However, temporal–spatial and driving characteristics of urban green-space water consumption are still unknown. Characteristics and driving factors of urban green-space water consumption in 286 cities in China are analyzed in this study. Results showed that the urban green-space water consumption (m3/ha) of 286 cities changed (decreased: 250, increased: 36, and p < 0.05) from 2004 to 2017. The urban green-space water consumption (m3/ha) decreased by 57.54% from 9,490 m3/ha to 4,030 m3/ha. In addition, 44 cities demonstrate high water consumption (>12,570 m3/ha) and 74 cities present low water consumption (≤6,380 m3/ha). High and low water consumption cities are aggregated in southern and northern China, respectively. Urban water supply, education, number of patents, GDP per capita, temperature, rainfall, and park areas significantly increased the urban green-space water consumption (p < 0.05), while built-ups, green land, and built-up coverage rate significantly reduced the urban green-space water consumption (p < 0.05). Water recovery rate and water price minimally affect the urban green-space water consumption but provide new ideas for sustainable utilization of water resources. This study highlights the potential of water recovery subsidies and water markets in urbanization.