Exploring the Regional Coordination Relationship between Water Utilization and Urbanization Based on Decoupling Analysis: A Case Study of the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Region

Abstract

Understanding the potential association between the urbanization process and regional water shortage/pollution is conducive to promoting the intensive utilization of local water resources. In this study, the water footprint model was used to estimate water utilization status in terms of both water quantity (virtual water footprint (VWF)) and water quality (grey water footprint (GWF)) in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region (China) during 2004–2017. Their potential coordination relationship with the local urbanization process represented by the gross domestic product (GDP), population (POP), and built-up area (BA) was examined using the Tapio decoupling model. The results showed that from 2004 to 2017, (1) VWF in Beijing and Tianjin showed non-significant decreasing trends, with reductions of 1.08 × 109 and 1.56 × 109 m3, respectively, while that in Hebei showed a significant increasing trend, with an increase of 5.74 × 109 m3. This indicated a gradually increasing water demand in Hebei and decreasing demand in Beijing and Tianjin. In all three regions, the agricultural sector accounted for a relatively high proportion of VWF compared to other sectors. (2) GWF in Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei all showed declining trends, with reductions of 2.19 × 1010, 2.32 × 1010, and 1.66 × 1011 m3, respectively, indicating considerable local water quality improvement. The domestic sector contributed as the main component of GWF in Beijing, while agriculture was the main contributor in Hebei. The major contributor in Tianjin transitioned from the domestic (before 2015) to the agricultural sector. (3) We found good coordination between VWF and GDP in all three regions, as their local economic development was no longer overly dependent on water consumption. However, the expansion of urban built-up area or population would bring about accelerated depletion of water resources. (4) GWF in the three provinces showed good coordination with GDP, POP, and BA in most years, implying that the development of urbanization no longer strongly caused the pollution of water resources. In sum, policymakers should focus on improving agricultural irrigation efficiency and residents’ awareness of water conservation, so as to gradually achieve sustainable water resource management in the BTH region.

Water Conservation Implications Based on Tempo-Spatial Characteristics of Water Footprint in the Water-Receiving Areas of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project, China

“…The reuse of urban wastewater has important applications in sustainable water supply and management practice, such as strengthening the management of There are four cities in the study area belonging to DED, including Zhengzhou, Yangzhou, Xuchang, and Cangzhou, with the highest contribution rate to WF changes from the domestic and ecological sectors. Strengthening publicity about water conservation through new media to raise awareness for residents' water conservation practices is essential for the reduction of domestic water consumption in these densely populated cities [49]. Using water conservation appliances is the most effective way to conserve water unconsciously [50,51].…”

Modelling Possible Household Uses of Grey Water in Poland using Property Fitting Analysis

“…Changing the approach to water recovery and recirculation is a major challenge in the transformation of economies around the world [27][28][29]. Today, several technologies can be used for water conservation and purification, including but not limited to aerators in tap faucets or autonomous buildings designed to function regardless of external infrastructure [30].…”

Dynamics of the Agricultural Water Footprint and the Decoupling Associations with Agricultural Economic Growth in Hangzhou, China

“…Many studies have used indicators such as the water footprint economic value [26] and the water poverty index [27], which are based on the water footprint, in terms of evaluating regional water resources security [28]. Certain scholars have used water footprints to explore the sustainable utilization of regional water resources [29], as well as water usage coordination and its association with economic development [30] and urbanization [31].…”