Case Study of Strategy to Increase Water Supply: South to North Water Transfer (China)

Question 1

Why is the water transfer needed?

Answer 1

1. To resolve water shortages and allow for further economic development
2. Reduce environmental impacts of over-abstraction in the North
3. Reduce socioeconomic impacts of water deficits in the North

Question 2

What does the water transfer involve?

Answer 2

• Large scale water transfer scheme transferring 45 billion m3 water per year North from Yangtze river to the Yellow river
• Three diversion routes: Eastern, Central and Western

Question 3

What are two advantages of the project?

Answer 3

1. Reduced over abstraction of groundwater and associated environmental impacts in the North
2. Reduced inequality of access
3. Allow for further industrial and agricultural growth in the North

Question 4

What were the impacts of raising the Danjiangkou dam by 15m?

Answer 4

• Land flooded > destruction of habitats and reduced biodiversity
• Decreased velocity of Hanshui river downstream > increased algal blooms stop light from penetrating surface > river plants die

Question 5

What were the impacts of decreased flow to the Yangtze River?

Answer 5

• Saltwater intrusion > affects delta ecosystem
• Alters delta habitats and changes which species survive
• Delta wetlands drierand northern drylands wetter >affects habitats and biodiversity
• Less sediment downstream > faster erosion
• Potential for landslides due to construction of dams