Application of the Water Footprint: Water Stress Analysis and Allocation

Based on the water footprint (WF) concept, this book reviews WF-based water stress evaluation methods at the city, provincial and river basin levels respectively. In addition, it explores the factors that influence regional water footprint in the spatial sequence via the extended STIRPAT model.

Highlighting the utilization of WF accounting in sustainable water management, one of the book’s goals is to establish the optimization model of water allocation in various industrial sectors. Based on WF accounting, which thoroughly considers the water input for production, the relevant intermediate water inputs, and the water amount for wastewater discharge dilutions, the book provides a wealth of insights for scholars and practitioners with an interest in water resources and environmental management. In addition, it exhibits a scientific plan for regional water resource utilization and allocation, helping relieve regional water shortages. 

Meng Xu is an Associate Professor at the School of Public Administration, Zhejiang University of Finance & Economics. She received her Ph.D. in Environmental Science from Beijing Normal University in 2018. Her research interest mainly concentrates on water resources management and allocation.

Chunhui Li is currently a Professor at Beijing Normal University, where he previously served as Director of the Ministry of Education Key Lab of Water and Sand Science for 10 years. His research activities are mainly devoted to water resources and water environment. He is engaged in numerous research associations and societies for environmental and dam research, and has published more than 100 journal papers and 10 academic books.