Study on an Evaluation Model for Regional Water Resource Stress Based on Water Scarcity Footprint

Under the multiple pressures of intensifying global climate change disruption and rapid economic growth, China has become one of the countries facing the most serious water scarcity problems. Based on the ISO 14046 standard and the framework of water scarcity footprint theory, this study will break through the static limitations and lack of dimensions of traditional characteristic factors (i.e., water stress) and construct a water stress evaluation index system that combines nature, economy, and society. The results indicate that in recent years, regional water stress in China has exhibited significant spatiotemporal variations and spatial clustering, primarily driven by composite factors, with an overall decreasing trend. Among them, Shanghai is the highest-pressure area and Shaanxi is the lowest-pressure area, which is mainly due to the spatial projection of the coupling effect of multi-dimensional factors. In addition, the obstacle degree analysis method shows that indicators such as the utilization rate of water resource development constitute cross-regional constraints. To this end, all regions should make efforts to regulate and control the water use structure, introduce water-saving technologies, and strengthen water-saving publicity according to their needs. Therefore, this study not only provides a scientific basis for in-depth understanding of the distribution law and influencing mechanism of water stress but also provides an important reference for the rational allocation and sustainable use of water resources by upgrading the characteristic factors to system control signals.