A Regional Water Resource Allocation Model Based on the Human–Water Harmony Theory in the Yellow River Basin

Abstract

Considering the issues of water scarcity, water environment deterioration, and unreasonable allocation of water resources in the urban area of the Yellow River Basin, this paper introduces the human–water harmony theory to the allocation of regional water resources. Based on an analysis of the structural characteristics of the regional water resource system, the harmonious water resource allocation (HWRA) model—which includes three sub-systems (i.e., the water service system, ecological environmental system, and economic and social system)—is established. In addition, considering the uncertain factors in the HWRA model, the inexact fuzzy multi-objective programming (IFMOP) method is used to solve the model, aiming at achieving the minimum amount of regional water scarcity, the minimum amount of sewage discharge, and the maximum total economic benefit. A case study of water resource allocation of Binzhou, a city located in the Yellow River Basin, is conducted to validate the model. The model solution results show that the water resource system in Binzhou in 2025 and 2035 could be optimized after harmonious allocation, especially in terms of the water service and ecological environmental systems. Compared with the optimal water resource allocation (OWRA) model, the HWRA model has a more scientific water supply structure, and a smaller amount of sewage discharge. The HWRA model solves the variables using an interval number, so it can flexibly and scientifically reflect the decision-making process.

Applying Harmony Degree Equation and TOPSIS Combined with Entropy Weights in Surface Water Classification

“…In addition, the harmonic degree equation (HDE) is also used in water quality assessment studies [4,[28][29][30]. The approach based on harmony theory and the TOPSIS model has been applied in many previous studies, such as allocating water resources [31], determining the level of harmony between water quality and people [4,30,32], and evaluating and ranking water quality [19,25,33,34]. Therefore, applying diverse assessment methods/techniques can overcome the limitations of a single assessment.…”

Evaluating the Human–Water Relationship over the Past Two Decades Using the SMI-P Method across Nine Provinces along the Yellow River, China

“…Research on human-water harmonious has evolved from qualitative inquiries at the beginning of the 21st century to a more quantitative approach today. Key components of this research now encompass the exploration of interaction mechanisms within human-water systems, the quantitative analysis and simulation of the human-water relationship, and the optimization of schemes promoting such harmony [19][20][21]. These studies have found widespread application across various scales, including national, provincial, urban, and watershed levels.…”

Organizational, Economic and Regulatory Aspects of Groundwater Resources Extraction by Individuals (Case of the Russian Federation)

“…Groundwater is one of the specific types of mineral wealth, an important resource for life support, development of industry and agriculture [5][6][7]. In terms of increasing deterioration in the quality of surface water, the use of groundwater has several advantages due to their high resistance to climatic factors, protection from pollution, relative stability of quality and quantity over time, absence in most cases of the need for water treatment and seasonal restrictions in their use, etc.…”