Wang et al. (2026) Evaluation of water resource carrying capacity in Qianping Irrigation District obstacles

Identification

• Journal: Frontiers in Water
• Year: 2026
• Date: 2026-09-16
• Authors: Yongzhi Wang, Shengjin Jiang, Jiaxin Li, Zhuang Yan Wang, Yuan Yao, Xianqi Zhang
• DOI: 10.3389/frwa.2026.1851583

Research Groups

• Henan Qianping Reservoir Irrigation District Engineering Co., Ltd.
• Water Conservancy College, North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power

Short Summary

This study evaluates the water resource carrying capacity in the Qianping Irrigation District, a newly-built water security project in Henan Province. The evaluation index system comprises 14 metrics covering four subsystems: water resources, ecological environment, economy, and society.

Objective

• Evaluate the current status of water resource carrying capacity in the Qianping Irrigation District.
• Analyze the coordinated development relationship among water resources, ecological environment, economy, and society in this irrigation district.

Study Configuration

• Spatial Scale: The study area is located in the upper reaches of the Beiyu River within the Huai River Basin, covering four counties (cities) in Henan Province.
• Temporal Scale: The research period covers 2010 to 2023.

Methodology and Data

• Models used:
  • Entropy-weighted TOPSIS method
  • Coupling coordination degree model
  • Barrier degree model
• Data sources:
  • Henan Provincial Water Resources Bulletin (2010–2023)
  • China Water Resources Statistical Yearbook
  • Agricultural water usage data from management units of the irrigation districts
  • Ecological environment subsystem data from China Ecological Environment Status Bulletin and China Environmental Statistics Yearbook
  • Economic and social subsystem data from Henan Statistical Yearbook, Luoyang and Pingdingshan cities' statistical yearbooks, and national economic and social development bulletins

Main Results

• The water resource carrying capacity of the Qianping Irrigation District exhibited dual characteristics of steady improvement and spatial differentiation.
• The comprehensive evaluation index increased from 0.34 in 2010 to 0.43 in 2023.
• Ruyang County maintained its leading position, while Ruzhou City demonstrated the most significant improvement.
• The level of subsystem coupling and coordination has steadily improved but remains insufficient.

Contributions

• This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of water resource carrying capacity at the irrigation district scale.
• It fills the research gap in evaluating newly constructed irrigation areas and their transitional characteristics.
• The study highlights the importance of optimizing water resource allocation, promoting efficient utilization, and consolidating achievements in ecological and environmental governance to overcome critical bottlenecks.

Funding

• This research was supported by [list projects, programs, and reference codes that funded this research].

Citation

@article{Wang2026Evaluation,
  author = {Wang, Yongzhi and Jiang, Shengjin and Li, Jiaxin and Wang, Zhuang Yan and Yao, Yuan and Zhang, Xianqi},
  title = {Evaluation of water resource carrying capacity in Qianping Irrigation District obstacles},
  journal = {Frontiers in Water},
  year = {2026},
  doi = {10.3389/frwa.2026.1851583},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.3389/frwa.2026.1851583}
}