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Evaluating and Optimizing Water Resources Carrying Capacity in Anji County, China

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  • Haodong Qiu

    (School of Hydraulic Engineering, Zhejiang University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Hangzhou 310018, China
    International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Utilization and Sustainable Development of Water Resources, Zhejiang University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Hangzhou 310018, China
    Estuarine and Coastal Disaster Prevention and Mitigation and Ecological Governance Institute, Zhejiang University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Hangzhou 310018, China)

  • Wenlong Liu

    (Huzhou Hydrological Center, Huzhou 313000, China)

  • Fusen Wei

    (Huzhou Hydrological Center, Huzhou 313000, China)

  • Yijing Chen

    (School of Hydraulic Engineering, Zhejiang University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Hangzhou 310018, China
    International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Utilization and Sustainable Development of Water Resources, Zhejiang University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Hangzhou 310018, China
    Estuarine and Coastal Disaster Prevention and Mitigation and Ecological Governance Institute, Zhejiang University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Hangzhou 310018, China)

  • Chuyu Xu

    (School of Hydraulic Engineering, Zhejiang University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Hangzhou 310018, China
    International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Utilization and Sustainable Development of Water Resources, Zhejiang University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Hangzhou 310018, China
    Estuarine and Coastal Disaster Prevention and Mitigation and Ecological Governance Institute, Zhejiang University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Hangzhou 310018, China)

  • Zhongwei Wang

    (School of Hydraulic Engineering, Zhejiang University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Hangzhou 310018, China
    International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Utilization and Sustainable Development of Water Resources, Zhejiang University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Hangzhou 310018, China
    Estuarine and Coastal Disaster Prevention and Mitigation and Ecological Governance Institute, Zhejiang University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Hangzhou 310018, China)

  • Yukun Wang

    (School of Hydraulic Engineering, Zhejiang University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Hangzhou 310018, China
    International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Utilization and Sustainable Development of Water Resources, Zhejiang University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Hangzhou 310018, China
    Estuarine and Coastal Disaster Prevention and Mitigation and Ecological Governance Institute, Zhejiang University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Hangzhou 310018, China)

  • Jiaqi Tan

    (School of Hydraulic Engineering, Zhejiang University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Hangzhou 310018, China
    International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Utilization and Sustainable Development of Water Resources, Zhejiang University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Hangzhou 310018, China
    Estuarine and Coastal Disaster Prevention and Mitigation and Ecological Governance Institute, Zhejiang University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Hangzhou 310018, China)

  • Wencheng Wei

    (School of Hydraulic Engineering, Zhejiang University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Hangzhou 310018, China
    International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Utilization and Sustainable Development of Water Resources, Zhejiang University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Hangzhou 310018, China
    Estuarine and Coastal Disaster Prevention and Mitigation and Ecological Governance Institute, Zhejiang University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Hangzhou 310018, China)

  • Hao Chen

    (School of Hydraulic Engineering, Zhejiang University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Hangzhou 310018, China
    International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Utilization and Sustainable Development of Water Resources, Zhejiang University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Hangzhou 310018, China
    Estuarine and Coastal Disaster Prevention and Mitigation and Ecological Governance Institute, Zhejiang University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Hangzhou 310018, China)

Abstract

Water resources’ carrying capacity (WRCC) is crucial for sustainable development, linking natural resources with social and economic systems. Although Anji County in China has relatively abundant water, uneven distribution, strong seasonality, and rising demand from industrialization and population growth have kept the system close to overload. Using a comprehensive evaluation and optimization framework, this study assessed WRCC from 2015 to 2023. Results show the county has long operated near its threshold, with water shortages projected to reach 23% by 2025, though pressures may ease by 2030. Key constraints include high industrial water use, limited reuse of treated wastewater, and low per capita availability. Model simulations suggest that optimized allocation of surface water, groundwater, and reclaimed water could improve carrying capacity by up to 30%. These findings highlight the need for industrial upgrading, water-saving measures, and expanded wastewater reuse, providing practical guidance for resource management in Anji County and a useful reference for other regions facing similar challenges.

Suggested Citation

  • Haodong Qiu & Wenlong Liu & Fusen Wei & Yijing Chen & Chuyu Xu & Zhongwei Wang & Yukun Wang & Jiaqi Tan & Wencheng Wei & Hao Chen, 2025. "Evaluating and Optimizing Water Resources Carrying Capacity in Anji County, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-22, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:18:p:8383-:d:1752678
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