Analysis of evolution and driving factors of water consumption structure in Ordos City

Abstract

[Objective] Analysis of the evolution of regional water consumption structure and identification of its driving factors has important practical significance for formulating comprehensive water resource utilization plans. [Methods] Taking Ordos City as an example, the information entropy and center of gravity migration model were applied to analyze the characteristics of regional water consumption structure changes, and the logarithmic mean divisia index(LMDI) decomposition model was adopted to identify the main driving factors of local water consumption structure evolution. [Results] The result showed that:(1) the central urban area and Jungar Banner were dominated by domestic and industrial water consumption, respectively, while agricultural water consumption accounted for a larger proportion in other banners and districts. The center of gravity of total and agricultural water consumption was located in Hangjin Banner, while centers of gravity of industrial, domestic, and ecological water consumption have shifted to Ejin Horo Banner in recent years.(2) From 2007 to 2023, the water consumption structure of Ordos City remained generally stable, with the equilibrium degree decreasing from the central urban area outward. The water consumption structure in the central urban area showed strong stability, while the regions dominated by agricultural water consumption exhibited weaker equilibrium.(3) Socioeconomic development, technological progress, and ecological environment were the main driving factors of the water consumption structure of Ordos City. Among them, disposable income of urban permanent residents, gross industrial product, water consumption per 10 000 yuan of GDP, and per capita green area were the key drivers. [Conclusion] Rapid urbanization and industrial restructuring have driven the evolution of the urban water consumption structure. Therefore, promoting urbanization development, optimizing industrial structure, implementing deep water-saving and control measures, and enhancing ecological protection and restoration are effective strategies to achieve a balanced water consumption structure in Ordos City.

Keywords

water consumption structure / information entropy / equilibrium degree / LMDI decomposition model / Ordos City / driving factors / influencing factors