Decrease of both river flow and quality aggravates water crisis in North China: a typical example of the upper...

Area of Science:

• Hydrology
• Environmental Science
• Water Resource Management

Background:

• Semi-arid regions face significant water scarcity and quality issues.
• The Yongding River watershed is a representative water-stressed area in North China.

Purpose of the Study:

• Analyze the water crisis in the upper Yongding River watershed.
• Identify the driving forces behind water shortage and quality degradation.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a long-term hydrological database (1935-2015).
• Analyzed recent water quality data (2011-2016).
• Assessed human impact on river flow and pollutant loads.

Main Results:

• Excessive water consumption has drastically reduced river flow over eight decades.
• High nitrogen and chemical oxygen demand (COD_Cr) levels exceed national standards, originating from wastewater and feedlots.
• Reduced river flow limits pollution dilution, increasing eutrophication and salinization risks.
• Elevated chloride and sulfate levels render water unsuitable for drinking and irrigation.

Conclusions:

• Water resource over-extraction is the primary driver of the Yongding River water crisis.
• Water quality degradation poses significant risks to ecosystem health and human use.
• Integrated water management strategies are crucial for addressing the watershed's challenges.