Evaluation of water resource use efficiency in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei based on three-dimensional water ecological footprint

Water shortage and the conflict between water supply and demand have become the main constraints to the sustainable development of sustainable societies in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) region. Scientific evaluation of water usage efficiency and clarification of the three-dimensional water ecological footprint (EF3D) drivers are of great significance for the collaborative environmental management of BTH region. This paper firstly explores the evolution of water footprint breadth (EFsize), depth (EFdepth) and EF3D in BTH region from 2004 to 2020. Using the super-efficient SBM (Slacks-Based Measure) model with EF3D to evaluate the water use efficiency of BTH region in two scenarios. 22 impact factors were selected to analyze the dynamics affecting the change of EF3D in BTH region by using the LMDI (Logistic Mean Divided Index) model. The results show that: (1) The water resources pressure of the three provinces are in the overload state from 2004 to 2020, and the EF3D is at its maximum in 2011-2015. The EFdepth of BTH region is fluctuating up and then fluctuating down around 2012, and the most serious capital consumption of water resources stock is in Tianjin. (2) The water resources in Hebei are all in inefficient use. The water resources in Tianjin are in a state of inefficient use in some study years, and since 2014, the water resources are in a state of fluctuating increase and high efficiency. As for Beijing, the water resources are in a state of efficient use in the study years. On the whole, scenario 2 better reflects the water resources utilization efficiency situation and is more in line with the real situation. (3) The water structure and endowment of water resources are pivotal factors positively influencing the EF3D. To mitigate EF3D and achieve sustainable utilization of water resources, both Hebei and Tianjin have ample room for progress in elevating agricultural water-saving technologies, optimizing industrial structure, and enhancing water usage patterns. Agricultural water consumption is no longer the primary driver of water resource depletion in Beijing, necessitating focused attention on the impact of external water diversions in terms of local water displacement, optimization of water usage structures, and their role in supporting socio-economic development. Additionally, excessive reliance on external water diversions may entail associated risks that warrant consideration.

Automated summary

Water shortage and the conflict between water supply and demand are the main constraints to the sustainable development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. This study evaluates water usage efficiency and analyzes the drivers of the three-dimensional water ecological footprint (EF3D) in the region. The results show that the region has low water resource efficiency and suggests progress in agricultural water-saving technologies, industrial structure optimization, and water usage patterns.