Ecological footprint and deficit of water resources in Guanzhong,Shaanxi

【Objective】 This study aimed to analyze the ecological footprint,carrying capacity and deficit per capita of water resources and improve the sustainable development and utilization in Guanzhong region.【Method】 3 key parameters were identified using the water resources ecological footprint model:the global average water yield,global equilibrium factor and the area yield factor.The water resources ecological footprint,carrying capacity and deficit per capita in Guanzhong region from 1994 to 2008 were evaluated and compared with other areas.【Result】 In the research period,the water ecological footprint averaged in 0.704 5 hm2 per capita and changed at a relatively stable rate.The water resources footprints of different urban areas were in a descending order of XianyangWeinanTongchuanXi'anBaojiYangling.The ecological carrying capacity changed greatly in the study period and averaged in 0.196 0 hm2 per capita.The capacity of Guanzhong was the lowest compared to northern and southern Shaanxi.Because water resources ecological footprint was larger than carrying capacity,the ecological deficit was large with an average of 0.507 7 hm2 per capita.Among the accounts of the model,process water was the main contributor.【Conclusion】 Because of the big water ecological deficit in Guanzhong area,water resources allocation should be optimized and water resource utilization related legal system and water price system should be established.To achieve the purpose of water resources sustainable utilization,implementing high efficiency water resources management,improving the ecological carrying capacity and reducing the ecological deficit are needed.