Core Insights - The Gansu Hexi region, comprising Jiuquan, Jiayuguan, Zhangye, Jinchang, and Wuwei, is a crucial corridor of the Silk Road, facing severe water scarcity due to its arid climate and geographical conditions [1][2] - The annual water resource supply-demand gap in the region reaches several billion cubic meters, accounting for nearly one-third of the total annual water resources, leading to significant reliance on groundwater extraction [1] - Groundwater levels are declining due to over-extraction, despite some measures taken for comprehensive management [1][2] Water Resource Conditions - The Hexi region has a low annual average precipitation of approximately 36-200 millimeters, while evaporation rates range from 2000 to 3500 millimeters, resulting in a severe water resource deficit [1] - The total water resource in the region is 4.275 billion cubic meters, with per capita water resources at 990 cubic meters, about 56% of the national average [1] - The uneven distribution of water resources, with 59% of annual precipitation occurring from June to August, exacerbates the situation, leading to critical drought periods [1] Groundwater Dynamics - The conversion between surface water and groundwater is frequent in the Hexi inland river basin, with surface runoff infiltration accounting for over 80% of groundwater replenishment [2] - The retreat of glaciers in the Qilian Mountains has led to a decrease in river runoff, particularly affecting the Heihe River basin, which has seen a continuous decline in surface runoff and consequently groundwater levels [2] Water Management Challenges - There is a significant contradiction between indicative water shortages and rigid demand, with the Gansu provincial government implementing strict water resource management policies [2] - For instance, Zhangye's total water use quota decreased from 2.3 billion cubic meters in 2015 to 2.011 billion cubic meters in 2020, a reduction of 12.6%, while the area for grain cultivation increased by 16.9% during the same period [2] Recommendations for Improvement - To address the declining groundwater levels, it is essential to enhance top-level design and coordination among departments regarding water use control and agricultural policies [3] - Implementing inter-basin water transfer and ecological water replenishment projects can fundamentally resolve the resource scarcity issues in the Hexi region [3] - Promoting water source replacement projects and encouraging the use of surface water for irrigation can help reduce groundwater extraction and improve water resource sustainability [3]