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Comprehensive Evaluation of Water Resource Carrying Capacity in Hebei Province Based on a Combined Weighting–TOPSIS Model

Author

Listed:
  • Nianning Wang

    (School of Remote Sensing and Information Engineering, North China Institute of Aerospace Engineering, Langfang 065000, China)

  • Qichao Zhao

    (School of Remote Sensing and Information Engineering, North China Institute of Aerospace Engineering, Langfang 065000, China)

  • Lihua Yuan

    (School of Remote Sensing and Information Engineering, North China Institute of Aerospace Engineering, Langfang 065000, China)

  • Yaosen Chen

    (Application Research Center of Spatial Information Technology, Geological Geomatics Institute of Hebei, Langfang 065099, China)

  • Ying Hong

    (School of Remote Sensing and Information Engineering, North China Institute of Aerospace Engineering, Langfang 065000, China)

  • Sijie Chen

    (School of Remote Sensing and Information Engineering, North China Institute of Aerospace Engineering, Langfang 065000, China)

Abstract

Water scarcity severely restricts the sustainable development of water-stressed regions like Hebei Province. A scientific assessment of water resource carrying capacity (WRCC) is essential. However, single-weighting methods often lead to biased results. To address this limitation, we propose a combined weighting model that integrates the Entropy Weight Method (EWM), Projection Pursuit (PP), and CRITIC. To support this model, we developed a multi-dimensional, long-term WRCC evaluation dataset covering 11 prefecture-level cities in Hebei Province over 24 years (2000–2023). This approach simultaneously considers data dispersion, inter-indicator conflict, and structural features. It ensures that a more balanced weighting scheme is obtained. The traditional TOPSIS model was further improved through Grey Relational Analysis (GRA), which enhanced the discriminatory power and stability of WRCC assessment. The findings were as follows: (1) From 2000 to 2023, the WRCC in Hebei Province showed a fluctuating upward trend and a “high-north, low-south” spatial gradient. (2) Obstacle analysis revealed a vicious cycle of “resource scarcity–structural conflict–ecological deficit”. This cycle is caused by excessive exploitation of groundwater and low efficiency of industrial water use. The combined weighting–GRA–TOPSIS model offers a reliable WRCC diagnostic tool. The results indicate the core barriers to water use in Hebei and provide targeted policy ideas for sustainable development.

Suggested Citation

  • Nianning Wang & Qichao Zhao & Lihua Yuan & Yaosen Chen & Ying Hong & Sijie Chen, 2025. "Comprehensive Evaluation of Water Resource Carrying Capacity in Hebei Province Based on a Combined Weighting–TOPSIS Model," Data, MDPI, vol. 10(9), pages 1-25, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jdataj:v:10:y:2025:i:9:p:143-:d:1746587
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Li Gong & Chunling Jin, 2009. "Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation for Carrying Capacity of Regional Water Resources," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 23(12), pages 2505-2513, September.
    2. Yonghua Zhu & Sam Drake & Haishen Lü & Jun Xia, 2010. "Analysis of Temporal and Spatial Differences in Eco-environmental Carrying Capacity Related to Water in the Haihe River Basins, China," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 24(6), pages 1089-1105, April.
    3. Junfeng Yang & Kun Lei & Soonthiam Khu & Wei Meng, 2015. "Assessment of Water Resources Carrying Capacity for Sustainable Development Based on a System Dynamics Model: A Case Study of Tieling City, China," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 29(3), pages 885-899, February.
    4. Yuxin Zhu & Dazuo Tian & Feng Yan, 2020. "Effectiveness of Entropy Weight Method in Decision-Making," Mathematical Problems in Engineering, Hindawi, vol. 2020, pages 1-5, March.
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