THE IMPACT OF CATCHMENTS WATER USE ON THE NORMAL FUNCTIONING OF THE LOWER YELLOW RIVER

The huge amount of sediment transport and waste water discharge distinguish the Yellow River from other any major river in similarly semi arid regions around the world. Successful strategies of water use and water resources development in other regions are not necessarily suitable for situations in the Yellow River basin. This paper presents an analysis of hydrological data collected on the Yellow River, which indicates that the normal functioning of the Lower Yellow River, especially the ability to discharge flood and transport sediment, are seriously harmed by the heavy use of water for irrigation and hydro-power generation on the upper Yellow River. As its runoff diminishes and no flushing discharge available, the Lower Yellow River water pollution is also worsening at an astonishing rate.