From project to planning: development and effectiveness of the water-draw and utilization assessment policy in China

Abstract

The water-draw and utilization assessment (WDUA) policy is crucial for ensuring sustainable water development and good water governance in China. It consists of the WDUA in construction projects (WDUA-CP) and WDUA in urban planning (WDUA-UP). Based on a systematic review of the WDUA policy's development, this study evaluated the WDUA policy from the perspectives of policy text and implementation effectiveness using text-mining and statistical analysis methods. The results show that the WDUA policy is generally successful and has progressed across all regions in China. Despite existing regional gaps, effectiveness will continue to grow at the current situation of implementation. This study broadens the field of inquiry into China's water policy, enhances the method for assessing global water policy, and offers a fresh viewpoint for the international water community to understand China's integrated water resources management and water governance.