专访中国工程院院士王浩：以节水优先战略破解水资源瓶颈

Core Insights - Water is essential for life, production, and ecology, with China facing severe water resource challenges despite having a total water volume of 2.8 trillion cubic meters [5][6] - Over 400 out of 655 cities in China experience water scarcity, with 110 cities facing severe shortages, particularly in the northern regions [5][6] - The disparity in water resource distribution between northern and southern China exacerbates the water scarcity issue, as the north holds only 19% of the country's water resources while supporting 46% of the population [5][6] Water Resource Status - China's per capita water resource availability ranks 106th globally, with agricultural water resource per acre being less than half of the world average [5] - The northern region, which occupies 44% of the population and 40% of the arable land, faces a critical water shortage due to the uneven distribution of water resources [5] Importance of Water Conservation - The demand for water is immense, driven by the needs of over 1.4 billion people, extensive agricultural land, and a large industrial sector [6][7] - Water conservation is not just a temporary measure but a fundamental solution for sustainable development [7] Strategies for Water Conservation - Implementing a "water conservation first" strategy is crucial, focusing on prioritizing water-saving measures in planning and management [8] - Key areas for this strategy include establishing a strong awareness of water scarcity, optimizing economic structures based on water availability, and prioritizing investments in water-saving technologies [8] Challenges in Water Conservation - Water conservation is a systemic issue that requires collaboration across various sectors, including industry, agriculture, and urban planning [9] - Current challenges include a lack of awareness, insufficient technology, inadequate infrastructure, and weak institutional mechanisms [9][10] Solutions for Systematic Issues - Focus on policies that enhance water efficiency, develop a pricing mechanism that encourages conservation, and establish standards for water-saving technologies [10] - Promote collaboration among government, enterprises, and the public to foster a collective effort in water conservation [10] Role of Reclaimed Water - The underutilization of reclaimed water is attributed to mismatches in supply and demand, weak infrastructure, and inadequate standards [11] - Addressing these issues is essential for improving the application of reclaimed water in various sectors [11] Public Awareness and Participation - Enhancing public awareness of water conservation is critical for sustainable water resource management [12] - Building a consensus on water conservation across society can lead to significant improvements in water management policies and practices [12]