Spatial Equilibrium Evaluation of the Water Resources in Tai’an City Based on the Lorenz Curve and Correlation Number

Abstract

Water resource spatial equilibrium evaluations provide the bases for water resource utilization and allocation. To analyze the regional spatial water resource matching balance, this study constructed a water resource spatial matching model based on the Gini coefficient and Lorenz curve methods. To further reflect the influence of each subregion on the whole region, we combined the correlation number and Gini coefficient methods to propose the water resource spatial balance evaluation method. Herein, we constructed nine Lorenz curve pairs that matched the total water resources and total water use with cultivated land area, population, GDP (Gross Domestic Product) of the secondary industry, GDP (Gross Domestic Product) of the tertiary industry, and agricultural irrigation water consumption. Set pair analysis theory was applied to calculate sample correlation numbers and determine equilibrium levels, which were then compared to Gini coefficient method-based results for Tai’an city evaluation. The results showed that the total water consumption spatial equilibrium in Tai’an city from 2011 to 2020 was favorable, while the total water resource results for Tai’an city greatly differed, especially the balance between total water resources and GDPs of the secondary and tertiary industries, which should be further improved. In practice, quantitative analysis of the water resource spatial equilibrium state in Tai’an city is important for efficient water resource utilization and coordinated development of water resources and economic and social environments.