Studies on the carrying capacity of water resources for sustainable cities in the Taijiang area

Abstract

Water resource problems have become increasingly severe with the onslaught of global warming. This has shifted focus gradually to the carrying capacity of water resources. Discussions on the carrying capacity of water resources involve the water load capacity required by and supplied for industrial and agriculture use, living water, and environment protection under social, technological, and economic conditions toward the aim of achieving sustainable development of living, ecology and production. This study is aimed at discussing the utilization and configuration of water resources in Taijiang District from the perspective of sustainable development, as well as the demand and supply of water resources in the region for the point of view of water balance. This study collected data related to demand and supply of water resources in Taijiang District from 1992 to 2006. Water demand data included the amount of water for livelihood, industry, agriculture and ecological use. This study also utilized the grey system theory to predict the amount of water utilization from 2014 to 2019. Results show that the demand and supply of water resources in Taijiang District currently present a negative tendency. The demand and supply of water resources in Taijiang District is predicted to arrive at a positive tendency. This can be accomplished by utilizing the grey system, which predicts the amount of future water utilization under each target. In addition, working with planning and allocation of water resources issued by the Water Resources Agency, Ministry of Economic Affairs, which increased the amount of water resources supply to the whole Taijiang District, is also necessary. © 2010 WIT Press.