South-to-north water transfer schemes for China

South-to-north water transfer schemes are considered a strategic and ambitious approach to resolving water shortage problems in the north of China. This paper discusses the proposed south-to-north water transfer schemes, which would deliver water from the south of China to the water-short north of China. The three potential water transfer routes are discussed in detail, emphasizing the different water regimens of the water export and water import regions, political and institutional implications, and environmental protection. A water balance study conducted according to the principle of integrated water resources planning and management has shown that, without water transfer, the water deficit in the north of China will continue to be an obstacle to sustainable development from now to 2050. Also, the analysis on the asynchronism-synchronism for the two regions concerned has implicated the uncertainty of future water resource availability in the water transfer regions.