Rule-based water resource allocation in the Central Guizhou Province, China

•A rule-based water resource allocation model was developed in Central Guizhou Province with the purpose of balancing water allocation among sub-areas and users.•Based on documented annual water usage and supply, the model parameters were adjusted accurately so that it reflects the actual performance of the water resource system.•The model assessed the supply-demand analysis of water resources in status quo year (2012) and forecast years (2015, 2020), which could provide scientific solutions in water allocation at this region.•The model also verified the necessity of Central Guizhou Province Water Diversion Project.

The Central Guizhou Province is the intake area for the Central Guizhou Province water diversion project (CGPWDP), a massive-scale interbasin project for transferring water from the Pingzhai Reservoir to irrigated areas and cities within the region. Severe water shortages are an ongoing feature in the region, with high demand for adequate potable water, and water for ecological sustainability and economic activities. In order to balance water allocation among sub-areas and users, a rule-based water resource allocation model was developed in this region. Based on documented annual water usage and supply, we adjusted the model parameters to reflect the actual performance of the water resource system accurately. Several water resource allocation schemes were proposed based on various contexts during planning years. The suggested water resource allocation schemes could ease water supply conflicts in suburban areas, and highlight the necessity of the CGPWDP.