Water resources carrying capacity evaluation of a dense city group: a comprehensive water resources carrying capacity evaluation model of Wuhan urban agglomeration

ABSTRACT

In this paper, the current situation and the carrying capacity of water resources in Wuhan urban agglomeration are analyzed. A comprehensive evaluation model is established to quantify the distribution of water resources and carrying capacity of cities in Wuhan urban agglomeration. The entropy method and synergistic theoretical model are applied to calculate parameters, and a series of indicators are also used to characterize the water resources carrying capacity in Wuhan urban agglomeration. The results show that water resources are in severe shortage and overloaded in Wuhan. It also tends to be overloaded in Ezhou.The larger protential of WRCC should be recognized in other cities of Wuhan urban agglomeration, such as Xiaogan, Huanggang, Qianjiang and Tianmen. Therefore, the rational planning and utilization of water resources, adjustment of industrial structure and the implementation of strict water-saving regulations are important for the protection of water resources and sustainable economic development of the urban agglomeration.