Trends and Drivers of Water Use Change in Economic Activities of Zhejiang Province, China, Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic

As urbanization continues and the impacts of climate change intensify, the issue of water scarcity is increasingly prominent, both regionally and globally. Zhejiang Province, a leading economic powerhouse in China and the model of high-quality development, is confronting the imminent challenge of water shortages. Understanding the dynamics of water consumption in this region is of paramount importance for improving water use efficiency and optimizing industrial layout. Different from previous studies relying on low-resolution data from statistical yearbooks or model simulations, our research utilizes extensive firsthand data, documenting daily water extraction from natural sources across Zhejiang Province both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic (2018 to 2023). This approach reveals spatiotemporal variations in water utilization across cities and industries of Zhejiang. Moreover, we integrate insights from the data and expert perspectives to discern the driving factors behind these changes. Our findings reveal a consistent increasing trend in water usage in Zhejiang Province, with an average annual increase of 3.94×108m3 from 2018 to 2023. However, the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to a reduction in the rate of this increase, dropping from 3.48×103m3day-2 before the pandemic to 2.92×103m3day-2 during the pandemic. Different cities and industries exhibit distinct patterns in water use dynamics, often due to adjustments and upgrades in their industrial layouts. Through decomposition analysis of the socioeconomic factors influencing these changes, we have pinpointed power generation activities as the most significant contributor to shifts in water use within Zhejiang Province. These insights are invaluable for promoting sustainable water management and regional development strategies.