Water Transfer Project Research Articles

Identification and Ranking of Human Resource-Related Risks Considering Secondary and Residual Risks in Water Transfer Projects Using the DEMATEL–MARCOS Method

In competitive organizations and projects, assessing risks related to human capital is essential for improving workplace conditions and ensuring project success. This study evaluates primary, secondary, and residual human capital risks in urban water transfer projects using an innovative hybrid DEMATEL–MARCOS approach. The DEMATEL method was employed to analyze causal relationships and interdependencies among risks, while the MARCOS method ranked their significance. The key findings reveal that “accidents during material transportation” (primary risk), “corrosion” (secondary risk), and “pipeline pressure” (residual risk) are the most critical factors influencing human capital in such projects. The study provides a structured framework for prioritizing risk mitigation strategies, offering actionable insights for policymakers and project managers to enhance safety, efficiency, and workforce well-being. By integrating multi-criteria decision-making techniques, this research bridges a gap in the water industry’s risk management practices and contributes to safer, more sustainable infrastructure development.

An experimental study of the water-holding and strength characteristics of unsaturated canal embankment soils in the South-to-North water diversion project

The water-holding and strength characteristics of unsaturated expansive soil and modified soil in a high-fill canal embankment along the central line of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project were investigated using a pressure plate apparatus and a GDS unsaturated triaxial test system. The soil-water characteristic curves (SWCCs) of expansive soil and modified soil were obtained by curve-fitting the results of water-holding characteristic tests, thereby revealing the distinctions in water-holding characteristics of the two soil types. The laws governing the effects of matrix suction on the stress-strain relationships and shear strength of the two soil types were explored through unsaturated triaxial drainage shear tests. According to the test results: (1) The moisture content and void ratio of each soil type decreased gradually with the increase in matrix suction, although the void ratio of modified soil decreased at a slower rate than that of expansive soil. (2) Matrix suction induced a transition from strain hardening to strain softening; (3) The shear strength of both soils increases with the matrix suction and confining pressure, with the increment of expansive soil greater than that of modified soil. Notably, the influence of confining pressure became progressively more significant with increasing matrix suction for both soils; (4) The cohesion and internal friction angle of expansive soil and modified soil increases with the matrix suction, with 200 kPa as the critical point of increasing rate; (5) The expansive soil differs from modified soil in cohesion and internal friction angle under different matrix suctions, with matrix suction of 400 kPa as the critical point. (6) The matrix suction thresholds of 200 kPa and 400 kPa can serve as references for engineering design and construction, as well as seepage prevention and slope reinforcement. This study provides technical parameters and theoretical support for the design, construction, and long-term stability of embankments on the expansive soil in the South-to-North Water Transfer Project site.

Seasonal contributions and efficiency analysis of green-gray-blue coupled infrastructures system for the improvement of water quality in urban lakes.

Seasonal contributions and efficiency analysis of green-gray-blue coupled infrastructures system for the improvement of water quality in urban lakes.

Stochastic assembly process indicates high risks of water transfer on fish communities in waters along the East Route of the South-to-North Water Transfer Project, China

Stochastic assembly process indicates high risks of water transfer on fish communities in waters along the East Route of the South-to-North Water Transfer Project, China

Spatiotemporal evolution and influencing factors of carbon stock in the water receiving areas from the perspective of carbon neutrality

Water resources of water transfer projects are not only used to solve the water scarcity problem in the water-receiving area but also to change the regional carbon absorption capacity. Using the water-receiving area of the Jiangsu-Shandong section of the East Route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project (ER-SNWDP) of China as a case study, this study explored the dynamic variation in carbon stocks in response to water diversion project in the context of carbon neutrality. The results showed that (1) After the ER-SNWDP came into operation, there was a trend of growth in water area. Based on multi-scenario simulation, under the ER-SNWDP scenario, built-up land expansion would be curbed, forest and grassland reductions would be alleviated, and water areas would increase significantly compared to the natural variation scenario. (2) Due to the implementation of the project, the research area had better carbon sequestration capacity. Under the natural variation scenario from 2015 to 2025, the carbon stock would decrease by 1228.35 × 104 t. However, under the ER-SNWDP scenario, there would be an increase of 262.84 × 104 t. In addition, the water resource allocation of ER-SNWDP may affect the spatial distribution of carbon stocks. In the northeast region, particularly in the Binzhou and Dongying areas with large water transfer volumes, the increase in carbon stocks was significant, and the center of gravity of increase also tended to tilt these areas. (3) Land use had the highest explanatory power and driving force for spatial variation in carbon stocks. According to the results of the interaction factor analysis, the strongest interaction factor after 2005 was “land use ∩ nighttime lights”, indicating that the interaction between socio-economic factors and land use factors gradually amplified the impact on the spatial variation of carbon stocks. This study provides a scientific basis for future land use planning, promotes the rational and optimal allocation of water and carbon resources, and provides a prospective reference for water resources to cope with climate change and achieve carbon neutrality.

Analysis on structural safety of the middle channel of the South-to-North Water Transfer Project based on vibration load of subway vehicles

Analysis on structural safety of the middle channel of the South-to-North Water Transfer Project based on vibration load of subway vehicles

Study on the Spatiotemporal Evolution of Evapotranspiration and the Integration of Multi-Source Data in the Water Source Area of the Middle Route of the South-to-North Water Transfer Project

This study takes the Danjiangkou reservoir basin, which is the water source area of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project, one of the largest water diversion projects in the world, as the research area. Three different types of evapotranspiration (ET) datasets are adopted, including the Global Land Evaporation Amsterdam Model (GLEAM), European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts ERA5—Land Component (ERA5Land), and Complementary Relationship (CR) datasets. These datasets are analyzed for spatiotemporal evolution and data fusion using Mann–Kendall analysis, Sen’s Slope analysis, and Extended Triple Collocation (ETC). The aim is to improve the accuracy of evapotranspiration estimation in the watershed of the water source area. The results show the following: (1) All three sets of evapotranspiration data indicate an increasing trend in the watershed, with rates of 0.78 mm/year, 0.14 mm/year, and 2.56 mm/year, respectively. Additionally, the seasonal variation in evapotranspiration is significant, with the rate of change being summer > spring > autumn > winter. (2) The data fusion results indicate that ERA5Land performs best in the water source area watershed, with the smallest root mean square error (RMSE) value. In the fused data, ERA5Land’s evapotranspiration data account for the largest proportion at 59.93%, GLEAM ET data account for 39.96%, and CR’s evapotranspiration data account for the smallest proportion at only 0.11%. (3) The spatial distribution shows that the fused data fully exploits the advantages of different evapotranspiration data, inherits the advantages of ERA5Land and GLEAM ET products, and achieves effective fusion of multi-source data, thereby forming a more accurate dataset. These research findings provide scientific references for the construction of digital twin watersheds, intelligent water resource allocation, and effective responses to climate change in the water source area of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project.

Economic Operation Scheme of Cascade Pump Station Group Under the Power Market Situation—Taking the Yellow River to Qingdao Project as an Example

To solve the problems of s arehigh operating costs and excessive electricity consumption of cascade water supply pump stations in large-scale water transfer projects, this paper develops three optimized operation models for pump station group. Model 1 aims to minimize the daily total electricity cost, Model 2 aims to minimize the daily total electricity consumption, and Model 3 considers both time-of-use electricity prices and regulation and storage of canal section. The dynamic programming algorithm was employed to solve the optimized models. Taking the cascade pump station group of the Yellow River to Qingdao Water Regulation Project in China as an example, application research was conducted under average daily pumping flow of 8 m3/s; 16 m3/s; 24 m3/s; and 32 m3/s. Results indicate that all models exhibit excellent economic performance. Among them, the best performance was achieved by the Model 3 scenario, which consumed 98,700 kWh, 195,600 kWh, 293,400 kWh, and 394,500 kWh of electricity, and reduced the operating costs by 37,100, 38,100, 34,300, and 4400 USD, respectively, compared with the fixed-flow condition.

Multivariable integrated risk and spatiotemporal characteristics assessment for water quality using comprehensive risk index in Jiangsu section of the south-to-north water diversion project, China.

Water quality serves as a key indicator for assessing the effectiveness and success of water diversion efforts, yet comprehensive assessments of water pollution risk across interbasin areas remain scarce. Therefore, considering water quality standards, water eutrophication, and drinking water safety, a comprehensive water quality risk inedx (CRI) was developed by integrating the Comprehensive Pollution Index (CPI), Eutrophication Index (TLI), and New Water Quality Index (NWQI). This framework was designed to determine the spatiotemporal risk levels at a spatial scale that crosses large river basins. The Jiangsu section, pivotal water supply source for the eastern route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project (SNWDP-ER), was selected as the study area. In addition, based on the long-term (2003-2022) water quality monitoring data, multiple statistical methods were used to evaluate the effects of the SNWDP-ER on water quality within the lakes and main reaches of the Jiangsu Section. Variance analysis revealed significant differences in water quality pre- and post-water transfer and the operation of SNWDP-ER has contributed to the improvement of overall water quality. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) identified the predominant parameters affecting water quality was converted from CODMn to NH3-N and TP after water transfer and the main objective of water quality control in the study area is agricultural non-point source pollution. The comprehensive water quality risk assessment identified three groups with distinct risk levels and the impact of water transfer project on the water quality risk of reaches was gradually increasing from upstream to downstream. This study greatly enhanced our understanding of the impacts of large-scale water transfer projects on water quality and proposed a comprehensive framework for assessing spatiotemporal risk levels across extensive river basins.

Experimental investigation on the mechanism of the effect of flow velocity on Cyclotella meneghiniana

To investigate the growth patterns and influencing mechanisms of algal cells in the Henan section of the Middle route of South-to-North Water Transfer project under varying flow velocities, we focused on studying the dominant diatom species in this region. Utilizing self-designed experimental devices, a flow rate range of 0 to 1.0 m s−1 was established, and the growth conditions of Cyclotella meneghiniana were recorded for each group. The findings revealed that under different flow rates, C. meneghiniana exhibited a critical flow rate threshold at 0.4 m s−1, demonstrating an overall trend characterized by ‘when the flow velocity is relatively low, an increase in flow velocity will promote the growth of C. meneghiniana. However, when the flow velocity is relatively high, an increase in flow velocity will instead inhibit the growth of C. meneghiniana.’ By combining these experimental results with theoretical analysis, we explored the underlying mechanism behind the influence of flow velocity on algal cells. Our experiments demonstrated that below the critical flow rate, increased fluid velocity enhanced nutrient absorption by promoting contact between algal cells and nutrients, thereby facilitating algal cell growth. However, as fluid shear stress intensified with higher flow velocities, it eventually caused mechanical damage to cell structures leading to a critical threshold being reached. These research outcomes provide valuable insights into understanding how water dynamics impact algae cell growth while offering technical support for controlling algae proliferation based on principles derived from water dynamics within the Henan section of South-to-North Water Transfer project.

Study on the dynamic prediction and optimum regulation scheme of water resource carrying capacity in the yellow river basin

The dynamic change in regional water resource carrying capacity (WRCC) is an important factor in formulating an optimal water resource allocation scheme. To accurately predict the dynamic change in WRCC and formulate the optimal regulation scheme in a river basin, this paper proposes a diagnostic index system of WRCC based on the mutual feeding mechanism of economic-society, water resources and eco-environment. The multi-methods including support vector machine (SV) and system dynamics (SD), back propagation neural network (BP), etc., were used to construct a quantitative dynamic prediction model for the WRCC. The orthogonal test (OT) method is used to optimize the WRCC regulation scheme. Through simulation, the WRCC in the sub-regions of the Yellow River Basin in 2030, 2035 and 2050 under different scenarios are obtained. The study results show that the WRCC in the upper, middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River Basin are overloaded or seriously overloaded before the operation of the Western Line of South-to-North Water Transfer Project (WLSNWTP). Six key driving indexes (unconventional water utilization, water flow into the sea, irrigation water use, irrigation area, industrial added value and water consumption of 10 thousand Yuan (CNY) industrial added value) are selected to carry out orthogonal tests, and the optimal WRCC regulation scheme is obtained in different level years. The present study results have an important reference value for efficient water resource utilization and eco-society development in the Yellow River Basin.

Distribution Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Surface Sediments of Regulating Pond in South-to-North Water Transfer Pumping Station

As an important facility to ensure the safety of the water supply, the regulating pond of a raw water pumping station in the Tianjin Section of the middle route of the South-to-North Water Transfer Project linked the raw water from the Hanjiang River with the urban water plants. Surface sediment samples from different regions of the regulator pond were collected in summer, autumn, and winter of 2022 and spring of 2023, respectively. Metagenomic sequencing technology was used to analyze the distribution characteristics and influencing factors of antibiotic resistance genes （ARGs）, and the correlation between sediment ARGs and physicochemical indices, microbial community structure, and mobile genetic elements （MGEs） was also analyzed. The results showed that 20 antibiotic resistance types and 921 ARGs subtypes were detected in the surface sediment samples of the regulator pond. The dominant ARGs in the samples at different sampling times and sampling points were multidrug resistance, MLS, tetracycline, and glycopeptides, and the main resistance mechanism was efflux pump. Correlation analysis showed that TN, NO3--N, TP, and OM of sediments were significantly correlated （P<0.05） with various ARGs of the top 20 ARGs. Among the top 20 microbial genera, 19 species were significantly correlated （P<0.05） with ARGs. The MGEs types of conjugate transfer protein, recombinase, and transposase were significantly positively correlated （P<0.05） with the top 20 ARGs.

Study on Dynamic Response and Anti-Collision Measures of Aqueduct Structure Under Vehicle Impact

In recent years, the number of incidents involving aqueduct damage due to vehicle impact has steadily increased, significantly affecting the safe operation of water transfer projects. To investigate the dynamic response characteristics of aqueduct structures under vehicle impact, a numerical model of vehicle impact on an aqueduct was developed using ANSYS/LS-DYNA software. The influence of impact eccentricity and concrete strength on the dynamic response of the aqueduct structure was then analyzed. The results indicate that the aqueduct bent frame exhibits a pronounced torsional response under eccentric impact, exacerbating the damage and deformation of the aqueduct structure. The peak impact force is positively correlated with concrete strength, whereas the maximum lateral displacement and residual displacement at the top of the impacted bent frame show a negative correlation with concrete strength. Finally, three anti-collision measures are proposed: a rubber concrete outer box with a rubber filling layer, an ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) outer box with a foam aluminum filling layer, and a rubber concrete outer box with a foam aluminum filling layer. The energy dissipation, internal force response, displacement response, and aqueduct damage characteristics of these measures are compared and analyzed, and compared to the aqueduct structure without anti-collision measures, the peak impact force is reduced by at least 17%. The lateral residual displacements at the bottom, the impact area, and the top of the aqueduct bent frame are reduced by at least 88.3%, 97.8%, and 88.5%. The damage and severity of damage to the aqueduct are significantly reduced, providing valuable insights for the anti-collision design of aqueducts.

Research on Optimal Scheduling of Cascade Engineering Water Supply Based on Maximum Diversion Strategy

AbstractWith the increasingly prominent contradiction between water supply and demand, cascade water diversion and transfer projects play a pivotal role in water resources allocation. As the core component of these projects, water supply scheduling is of utmost importance. This paper proposes a maximum water diversion scheduling strategy that considers the water diversion capacity of offtakes, channel water delivery capabilities, regulation capabilities of online regulation reservoirs, and storage capacities of filling reservoirs. Taking the Hubei North Cascade Water Diversion Project in Hubei Province as an example, this study demonstrates how to maximize water diversion into the Fengjiangkou Reservoir, thereby approaching its filling level, enhancing the availability of water sources, and reducing the risk of flood discharge from online regulation reservoirs during the flood season. Additionally, by designing a system architecture, a water supply scheduling system for the Hubei North Project has been developed to facilitate the formulation of water supply plans and guide scheduling staff in their operations.

Time‐varying Leaching Depth Model of Concrete in Flowing Leaching Environment

AbstractThe long‐term leaching of water transfer project leads to slurry spalling and aggregate exposure of concrete, which affects the safety of hydraulic structures. Therefore, it is of great significance to study the time‐varying law of concrete leaching depth in flow leaching environment. The change of the leaching depth of cement‐based materials with time was studied by using microhardness method and pH value in pore solution. The changes of hydration products at different depths were analyzed by thermogravimetry, and the change model of leaching depth with time was established. The results show that microhardness and pH decreases gradually with time at the same depth. The change trend of microhardness is consistent with the change trend of pH measured by pH value in pore solution. The mass loss rate increases with the increase of the distance from the leaching surface. Based on Ca2+ concentration gradient, porosity and diffusion coefficient, a model of dissolution depth with time was established.

Prediction of the Seepage Quantity Based on a Random Field Model of Soil Permeability Coefficient

AbstractNatural soils exhibit spatial variability, and predicting seepage quantity considering a random field model of soil permeability coefficient is significant for water conveyance channel. Base on the Yangtze River‐Huaihe River Interbasin Water Transfer Project, employing finite element numerical simulation method to construct a three‐dimensional stochastic field model using normal distribution. Four different stochastic field distribution parameters are researched to predict seepage flow. The main conclusions are as follows: ①Compared to deterministic seepage fields, the average seepage quantity increases about 30% for considering the random distribution of permeability coefficients. ②The selection of parameters in the stochastic field model significantly affects statistical values of seepage flow, with the variance of the fluctuation function having the greatest impact on both the mean and dispersion of seepage flow. Autocorrelation coefficient and fluctuation scale have a significant influence on the dispersion of seepage flow, but little effect on the mean; ③Hydraulic conditions of the slope are crucial factors controlling seepage, and they exhibit clear coupling with the stochastic effects of permeability coefficients. Therefore, in practical engineering, it is necessary to select appropriate hydraulic conditions and stochastic field parameters based on on‐site hydraulic conditions and statistical distribution characteristics of parameters to accurately predict seepage quantity.

Optimal Operation of Tidal-Sluice-Pump Based on “Flexible Freshwater Reservoir” Concept

Estuarine areas have experienced varying levels of pollution globally due to increased industrial and social development. Water diversion projects can mitigate water pollution in estuaries, but it is necessary to consider freshwater runoff and tidal variations and their effects on water resource scheduling in the tidal reaches. In this study, a multi-objective optimal scheduling model of a tidal-sluice pump based on this flexible freshwater reservoir was established with the aim of mean water level of diversion port, water diversion quantity, and ecological flow. The tidal reach was generalized as a flexible freshwater reservoir, and a hydrodynamic model was used to construct the water level and discharge capacity curves. The advantage of this model is that it transforms complex multidimensional hydrodynamic problems into hydrological problems for water resource scheduling and reduces the complexity of model coupling. In the decision-making application example of the Hanjiang–Rongjiang–Lianjiang Water Transfer Project, the model’s average annual diversions under typical rich, average, and low-flow day schemes all satisfied the minimum diversion requirement of 5.50 × 108 m3. In addition, the average ecological discharge flows all met the ecological discharge requirements of 112 m3/s for the Rongjiang River, and electricity costs were reduced by at least 6.8568 million CNY. This model simplifies the calculation process, improves scheduling efficiency, and maximizes the benefits of the project, providing a new approach for solving water resource scheduling problems in tidal reaches.

Rising groundwater table due to restoration projects amplifies earthquake induced liquefaction risk in Beijing

Groundwater restoration is increasingly common to mitigate groundwater overexploitation, which proves effective in resolving urban water scarcity and regional unsustainable development. China’s South-to-North Water Diversion Project is one of the largest water transfer projects to restore groundwater and resolve water shortage in Beijing. However, how the rapidly restored groundwater of this magnitude changes regional seismic stability is largely unknown. Here, we explore the relation between elevated groundwater table and seismic ground liquefaction based on the case of Beijing under the impact of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project. We collect groundwater table depth records and use them to drive three-dimensional geotechnical models that generate ground liquefaction hazard maps. We find a remarkable increase in coverage and severity of liquefaction due to groundwater table rise. Infrastructures built during the rapid urbanization process are often under low groundwater table and thus illy prepared for this increased seismic risk. These findings highlight the necessity to consider the seismic consequence of large-scale groundwater restoration projects.

Spatially explicit assessment of water stress and potential mitigating solutions in a large water-limited basin: the Yellow River basin in China

Abstract. Comprehensive assessment of the long-term evolution of water stress and its driving factors is essential for designing effective water resource management strategies. However, the roles of water withdrawal and water availability components in determining water stress and potential mitigating measures in large water-scarce basins are poorly understood. Here, an integrated analytical framework was applied to the Yellow River basin (YRB), where the water crisis has been a core issue for sustainable development. The analysis suggests that the YRB has experienced unfavorable changes in critical water stress indicators over the past 56 years. Compared to the period from 1965 to 1980, the regional water stress index (WSI) and the frequency and duration of water scarcity increased by 76 %, 100 %, and 92 %, respectively, over the most recent 2 decades. Water withdrawal was the primary driver of the increased WSI before 2000; however, it has since contributed as much as water availability. Meanwhile, local water management and climate change adaptation were shown to be important in determining total water availability at the sub-basin scale. Water demand in the 2030s is predicted to be 6.5 % higher than during 2001–2020 (34.2 km3) based on the trajectory of historical irrigation water use and corrected socio-economic data under different Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs). To meet all sectoral water needs, a surface water deficit of 8.36 km3 is projected. Potential improvements in irrigation efficiency could address 25 % of this deficit, thereby alleviating the pressure on external water transfer projects. Such efficiency gains would enable the WSI of the YRB in the 2030s to be maintained at the current level (0.95), which would worsen conditions for 44.9 % of the total population while easing them for 10.7 % compared to in the 2000s. Our results have vital implications for water resource management in basins facing similar water crises to that in the YRB.

Spatial and temporal distribution characteristics and source apportionment of biogenic elements using APCS-MLR model in the main inlet tributary of Danjiangkou Reservoir.

Danjiangkou Reservoir has been widely concerned as the water source of the world's longest cross basin water transfer project. Biogenic elements are the foundation of material circulation and key factors affecting water quality. However, there is no comprehensive study on the biogenic elements in tributaries of Danjiangkou Reservoir, hindering a detailed understanding of geochemical cycling characteristics of biogenic elements in this region. Guanshan River, one of the main tributaries that directly enter the Danjiangkou Reservoir, was token as the research object. Spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of basic water quality parameters and biogenic elements were studied. Water quality was comprehensively evaluated through water quality index (WQI). Absolute principal component score-multiple linear regression (APCS-MLR) model was adopted to explore the main sources of biogenic elements. Results showed that, in terms of season, the concentrations of total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) were significantly higher in wet season than in dry season, while no significant differences were found for dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and dissolved silica (DSi). Spatially, the concentrations of dissolved carbon, DIC, TN, and TP in the middle and lower reaches were higher than that in the upstream. DOC concentration peaked in the middle reaches, while DSi showed higher concentrations in the upstream. WQI values indicated that the river water quality was between good and excellent, although the water quality in wet season was slightly worse than that in the dry season. PCA extracted five potential sources, which accounting for 84.12% of the total variance, including rock weathering, mixed source of sewage discharge and agricultural non-point source pollution, dissolved soil CO2, seasonal factor, and agricultural non-point source pollution. These sources contributed 38.96%, 12.33%, 13.54%, 23.95%, and 11.21% to river water quality parameters, respectively. Strengthening the monitoring of biogenic elements, controlling pollutant discharge, and exploring the relationship between biogenic elements and other pollutants are important for the water environment management in this basin.