The increases of water demand associated with rapid socio-economic development frequently led to river flow stoppage in the Yellow River basin from the early 1970s to the late 1990s. To devise countermeasures for the water shortage, it is important to understand water demand in each region and sector (agricultural, industrial, domestic). The basin covers a vast area, and local industrial structure and natural conditions vary immensely. These societal and natural features lead to seasonal changes in water usage and water resource availability. Firstly, this study characterizes the temporal and spatial structure of water supply, and demand for the entire basin are analysed based on the county/city level. Secondly, by emphasizing on the imbalance between water supply and demand, the structure of water supply and demand in the Yellow River basin from 1997 to 2000 is modelled.
Water resource management, Water supply and demand balance, Water shortage, Yellow river basin
