Comprehensive assessment of water security for inland watersheds in the Hexi Corridor,Northwest China

Water security is related closely to ecological, environmental, economic, social, and political problems, and may possibly even affect national security. The problem is especially important in arid inland watersheds. In this paper, we assess the water resources security of three watersheds in the Hexi Corridor (Northwest China) using a multi-level, multi-target, analytical hierarchy process approach. We constructed an assessment system based on the current situation and future development of the region’s water resources in the context of the society, economy, and environment of these inland watersheds. The assessment used 21 indicators that describe the ratio of water supply to demand, the ecological environment, food security, drinking-water security, disaster control capacity, water resources management, and economic conditions. The level of the water resources security was highest in the Shulehe watershed, followed by the Heihe watershed and the Shiyanghe watershed. Strategies to promote water security for all three watersheds are discussed.