Synopsis of the West-Route Project of South-to-North Water Transfer from the Yangtze to the Yellow River

Abstract

North and Northwest China are arid areas with shortages of water. At present, water resources in these areas cannot meet the demand for industry and agriculture. Water crises have already occurred in some districts. The water shortage will become larger and larger with the growth of the national economy, and the gap between the supply and demand of water will increase in the coming years. Within areas of North and Northwest China there are vast inland areas rich in mineral resources. It is not only a strategic area to the national economy, but also one of the coal and oil bases in China. Deficiencies in water resources are a retarding factor for the development of the economy in the area. In the future, in order to solve the problem of severe shortage of water supply for industry, agriculture and for people’s daily use, it is imperative to transfer water over the river basin. This transfer project is an important measure and is aimed at developing natural resources, promoting the economy, opening up Northwest China, and making North China prosperous.