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

Haodong Qiu, Wenlong Liu, Fusen Wei, Yijing Chen, Chuyu Xu, Zhongwei Wang, Yukun Wang, Jiaqi Tan, Wencheng Wei and Hao Chen ()
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Haodong Qiu: School of Hydraulic Engineering, 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
Chuyu Xu: School of Hydraulic Engineering, 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
Yukun Wang: School of Hydraulic Engineering, 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
Wencheng Wei: School of Hydraulic Engineering, 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

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 18, 1-22

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.

Keywords: Anji County; water resource carrying capacity; evaluation system; entropy weight–CRITIC integration; multi-objective optimization; supply and demand forecasting; water resource allocation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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