International Journal of

Environmental Research and Public Health Article

An Effect Analysis of Comprehensive Treatment of Groundwater Over-Exploitation in Cheng’an County, Hebei Province, China Weiwei Shao 1 , Jinjun Zhou 1 , Jiahong Liu 1, *, Haixing Zhang 2 , Jianhua Wang 1 , Chenyao Xiang 1 , Guiyu Yang 1 and Yun Tang 1 1

2

*

State Key Laboratory of Simulation and Regulation of Water Cycle in River Basin, China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, Beijing 100038, China; [email protected] (W.S.); [email protected] (J.Z.); [email protected] (J.W.); [email protected] (C.X.); [email protected] (G.Y.); [email protected] (Y.T.) Dalian Waterwood Engineering Co. Ltd., Dalian 116021, China; [email protected] Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +86-10-6878-1936

Academic Editor: Miklas Scholz Received: 16 October 2016; Accepted: 29 December 2016; Published: 4 January 2017

Abstract: The comprehensive treatment project of groundwater over-exploitation in Hebei Province has been implemented for more than a year, and the effect of exploitation restriction is in urgent need of evaluation. This paper deals with Cheng’an County of Hebei Province as the research subject. Based on collected hydro-meteorological, socioeconomic, groundwater, and other related data, together with typical regional experimental research, this study generates the effective precipitation–groundwater exploitation (P-W) curve and accompanying research methods, and calculates the quantity of groundwater exploitation restriction. It analyzes the target completion status of groundwater exploitation restriction through water conservancy measures and agricultural practices of the groundwater over-exploitation comprehensive treatment project that was implemented in Cheng’an County in 2014. The paper evaluates the treatment effect of groundwater over-exploitation, as well as provides technical support for the effect evaluation of groundwater exploitation restriction of agricultural irrigation in Cheng’an County and relevant areas. Keywords: Cheng’an County; groundwater over-exploitation; comprehensive treatment; effect evaluation

1. Introduction In the past 50 years, the changing spatial and temporal distribution of precipitation, river runoff volume reduction, and increasingly serious water shortages in northern China have put forward new requirements for agricultural irrigation water sources and irrigation methods [1,2]. The North China Plain, one of the most important agricultural regions in northern China, is currently faced with serious water resource shortages [3]. Its agricultural water relies on groundwater to a great extent. As the imbalance of water supply and demand worsens, the groundwater over-exploitation problem has become increasingly prominent. As an important part of the social water cycle, groundwater exploitation not only affects the hydrological cycle, but also has an impact on the hydrogeological conditions of the region. Groundwater exploitation quantities in an area should be subject to allowable exploitation limits. When the exploitation quantity exceeds the allowable amount, groundwater over-exploitation occurs, leading to a variety of geological, environmental, and social issues, including the drainage of the aquifer, land subsidence, karst collapse, deterioration of water quality, salt water intrusion (in coastal areas), etc. [4]. The groundwater over-exploitation area of the Hebei plain region accounts for 91% of the province’s plain areas. The groundwater over-exploitation is severe and has resulted in the partial drainage of the first aquifer in the Piedmont Plain area of Hebei, Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14, 41; doi:10.3390/ijerph14010041

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the groundwater depression cone, and a large area of land subsidence in the plain areas. In addition, the depression of the seawater brackish surface has appeared in parts of Cangzhou City and Hengshui City, meanwhile plain rivers are drastically blanking and drying up. There are additional significant deterioration issues in terms of the ecological environment. Domestic and foreign scholars have completed a great deal of research on the impact of groundwater over-exploitation on the ecological environment and environmental geology. Pang et al. [5] utilized a two-dimensional finite element model to study the land subsidence changes caused by groundwater over-exploitation in the North China Plain. Hu et al. [6] used a comparison of groundwater exploitation quantity and exploitable quantity to quantitatively describe land subsidence, ground fissures, and other environmental issues caused by groundwater over-exploitation. Boling [7], Holzer [8], Wolff [9], Rothenburg [10], Wang et al. [11], and Wu et al. [12] studied the relationship between groundwater over-exploitation and ground fissures. Shi et al. [13] calculated and analyzed the degree of the over-exploitation of deep groundwater in the North China Plain by comparing the available quantity and exploitation quantity. Lee et al. [14] studied seawater intrusion problems in the Korean coastal plains caused by groundwater over-exploitation based on the data of 45 monitoring wells. He et al. [15] studied the impact of groundwater over-exploitation on the karst collapse. Scholars have also carried out related research studies on the groundwater dynamic change mechanism and its impact mechanism on crops. Jia et al. [16] estimated the over-exploitation quantity of shallow groundwater in the Haihe River Basin since 1959 by using ARCGIS technology based on the principle of the drainage method. Facchi et al. [17] simulated and studied the characteristics of the temporal and spatial distribution of crop water requirements and dynamic changes of groundwater against irrigation water in Italy’s alluvial plains shifting from the surface to the underground. Zhou et al. [18] studied the impact of groundwater over-exploitation on agricultural irrigation and proposed countermeasures. With increasing awareness of the severity of groundwater over-exploitation, scholars have also proposed a series of exploitation restrictive measures. Karatzas et al. [19] proposed that some wells must be closed to control seawater intrusion against the problems of seawater intrusion facing the Greek island of Crete caused by groundwater over-exploitation. Li [20] and Liu et al. [21] put forward restrictive measures of groundwater exploitation by shutting down and closing irrational groundwater exploitation engineering, constructing surface water conservancy projects, and introducing surface alternative water sources. Qi [22] engaged in multiple measures of water distribution by way of the South-to-North Water Diversion project, the closure of groundwater wells, sewage treatment, and recycling, as well as water-saving projects to carry out groundwater exploitation restrictions for Langfang City. However, regarding the effect of evaluations of groundwater over-exploitation treatment, there are, currently, relatively few research results and the research system is in need of further development. Zhang et al. [23] took a GIS-based evaluation of the potential development capabilities and comprehensive treatment effect of shallow groundwater in the Yellow River Delta. Tian et al. [24] evaluated the effect of groundwater exploitation restrictions in Nantong City of Jiangsu Province through considering the change of groundwater levels and the recovery of land subsidence. Xu et al. [25] evaluated the reasonable exploitation quantity of groundwater by regression analysis based on the data of land subsidence and groundwater extraction, and also analyzed the treatment effect of groundwater over-exploitation restrictions. You et al. [26] analyzed the impact of China’s South-to-North Water Diversion project for groundwater recharge in North China. Kumar et al. [27] proposed to evaluate the groundwater exploitation quantity by the type and number of wells. In early 2014, China issued the No.1 document, which demanded that researchers “carry out the experimental work of the comprehensive treatment of groundwater over-exploitation in Hebei Province, North China in advance”. Hebei became a national pilot province for the comprehensive treatment of groundwater over-exploitation. Since 2014, Hebei Province has carried out the comprehensive treatment of groundwater over-exploitation in its plain areas, and further focused on the treatment of groundwater over-exploitation in four prefecture-level cities (i.e., Hengshui, Cangzhou, Handan, and Xingtai) covering 49 counties. Regarding the comprehensive treatment of

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groundwater over-exploitation in Hebei Province, experts and scholars have also put forward a series of measures and proposals. Zhang et al. [28] proposed a treatment idea with the intention to “give priority to major tasks and identify key issues”. Liu [29] proposed the “5 + 1” comprehensive treatment mode for groundwater over-exploitation (i.e., one core objective system and five innovative mechanisms). Xie et al. [30] discussed the agricultural water-saving systems, water-saving management systems, and industrial and urban domestic water saving measures in Guantao County. To be specific, it includes water-saving irrigation projects, agronomic water-saving measures, water rights management system, water pricing, and water fee collection systems, etc. Zhang et al. [31] and Wang et al. [32] explored the comprehensive treatment measures of groundwater over-exploitation. In 2014, all the pilot counties for the comprehensive groundwater exploitation restriction in Hebei Province have developed implementation plans of water conservancy measures and agricultural measures for the comprehensive treatment of groundwater over-exploitation. At present, the comprehensive treatment of groundwater over-exploitation in Hebei Province has been fully implemented for one year. The evaluation of its effect on groundwater exploitation restrictions is a critical work for the comprehensive treatment of groundwater over-exploitation in Hebei Province. A scientific and rational evaluation on the effect of groundwater exploitation restrictions will provide scientific reference for the further implementation of comprehensive treatment for groundwater over-exploitation. This study quantitatively evaluated the effect of groundwater exploitation restrictions in Cheng’an County, Handan City, Hebei Province based on hydrological and meteorological data, agricultural electricity consumption, ground water levels, and other basic information; the considerations presented in this paper will provide technical support for the evaluation of the 2014 comprehensive treatment of groundwater in Cheng’an. This study will also serve as a reference for groundwater protection in Cheng’an and similar regions. 2. Study Area and Data Cheng’an County of Hebei Province is located at latitude 36◦ 180 –36◦ 300 N, longitude E. It is found in southern Hebei Province, southeast of Handan City, and east of Taihang Mountain. The total area of the county is 481.5 km2 , consisting of four towns and five townships. Cheng’an County focuses on agricultural production. As a major grain-producing county in Hebei Province, agriculture dominates the county’s economic development. In 2014, the county’s total population was 443,000, of which the agricultural population accounted for 65.6%. The arable land in the county is 38,426.6 ha, of which 34,913.3 ha is basic irrigated farmland area. The crop types include food crops, cash crops, and others. Among the food crops, the summer grain’s majority production is wheat, whereas in autumn it is corn. Of the cash crops, cotton is the majority production product, while other crops include vegetables, fruits, etc. Cheng’an County is located in the alluvial plain area of the ancient Yellow and Zhanghe River, but lacks surface water resources within the territory. There is no natural river and groundwater acts as a major long-term industrial, agricultural, and domestic water source. Cheng’an County has relatively simple topography, with relatively flat terrain. Its soil type is mainly brown earth. Since the 1960s, Cheng’an County has long been overexploiting groundwater to maintain economic and social development, which has triggered a series of environmental and geological problems, such as shallow and deep groundwater depression cones, land subsidence, etc. The predatory exploitation of groundwater has long been a serious threat to regional water resources and water environment security, which, as a result, forms a 17 km2 shallow groundwater funnel area around the county and an approximate area of 60 km2 of deep groundwater over-exploitation in the northeast county. In 2014, after being identified as a pilot county for groundwater over-exploitation in Hebei Province, Cheng’an County centered itself around “broadening water resources and reducing expenditure”, and has implemented efficient water-saving irrigation projects in the well irrigation areas, as well as surface water irrigation projects regarding water conservancy projects. Regarding agricultural projects, the county has implemented the adjustment of cultivation structure modes, water saving and stable production supporting technologies (spring irrigation for winter wheat), conservation tillage, fertilizer integration technology (wheat, corns, vegetables), as well as other agricultural groundwater

114◦ 290 –114◦ 530

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Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14, 4 ofwater 14 exploitation restriction projects. In0041 addition, combined with agricultural water pricing reform, pipe structural reform, and other mechanism system constructions, as well as industrial and urban agricultural groundwater exploitation restriction projects. In addition, combined with agricultural domestic groundwater exploitation restrictions, the county has carried out a series of comprehensive water pricing reform, water pipe structural reform, and other mechanism system constructions, as treatments for groundwater over-exploitation. This paper mainly evaluates andthe analyzes well as industrial and urban domestic groundwater exploitation restrictions, county the hascompletion carried effect of the water conservancy projects and agricultural projects implemented by Cheng’an out a series of comprehensive treatments for groundwater over-exploitation. This paper County mainly for the evaluates exploitation agricultural groundwater in 2014. andrestrictions analyzes theof completion effect of the water conservancy projects and agricultural projects The implementation of comprehensive treatment projects for groundwater over-exploitation implemented by Cheng’an County for the exploitation restrictions of agricultural groundwater in 2014. in Cheng’an County in 2014 as follows (Figure 1): The irrigation area of surface water replacing The implementation ofis comprehensive treatment projects for groundwater over-exploitation in Cheng’an County 2014 isha, as including follows (Figure 1): The Township, irrigation area ofTownship, surface water groundwater reachedin3733.33 Daodongbu Xinyi etc.,replacing with a total groundwater reached 3733.33 ha,ofincluding Township, Xinyi etc., with of 42 villages. The irrigation area efficient Daodongbu water-saving projects in theTownship, well irrigation areasa total reached of 42 villages. The irrigation area of efficient water-saving projects in the well irrigation areas reached 1686.67 ha, including Beixiangyi Township, with a total of 14 villages. The planting area of cultivation 1686.67 ha, including Beixiangyi a total of 14Village villages.and TheXinji planting area in of cultivation mode adjustment reached 400 ha,Township, includingwith Zhongganluo Village Zhanghedian mode adjustment reached 400 ha, including Zhongganluo Village and Xinji Village in Zhanghedian Town where deep groundwater over-exploitation was severe, and also including Dadixi Village, Town where deep groundwater over-exploitation was severe, and also including Dadixi Village, Zhouhuadian Village, and 10 other villages in Daodongbu Township where shallow groundwater Zhouhuadian Village, and 10 other villages in Daodongbu Township where shallow groundwater over-exploitation was especially serious. The spring irrigation water-saving area for winter wheat over-exploitation was especially serious. The spring irrigation water-saving area for winter wheat reached 706.66 ha, including Beixiangyi Township, Xinyi Township, and other three other townships, reached 706.66 ha, including Beixiangyi Township, Xinyi Township, and other three other townships, with a total of of more Thewheat-corn wheat-corn fertilizer integration project covered anofarea with a total morethan than20 20villages. villages. The fertilizer integration project covered an area of 266.67 ha, including nine villages in Changxiang and Baisiying Townships, as well as three other 266.67 ha, including nine villages in Changxiang and Baisiying Townships, as well as three other townships. The conservation anarea areaofof3333.33 3333.33ha, ha, including family farms townships. The conservationtillage tillageproject project covered covered an including 58 58 family farms andand grain planting cooperation organizations all around the county. The fertilizer integration project grain planting cooperation organizations around the county. The fertilizer integration project for for drip irrigation under coveredan anarea areaofof213.33 213.33 including 10 towns, drip irrigation underthe thevegetable vegetablemembrane membrane covered ha,ha, including 10 towns, townships, and businessentities. entities. townships, and 19 19 business

Figure 1. Distribution map of groundwater exploitation restriction projects in Cheng’an County. Figure 1. Distribution map of groundwater exploitation restriction projects in Cheng’an County.

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The study collected collectedsocio-economic socio-economic development agricultural information as The study development data,data, agricultural information (such as(such planting planting water resource basicseries data,ofaannual long series of annual data, structure,structure, etc.), wateretc.), resource basic data, a long precipitation data, precipitation groundwater depth groundwater depth information, agricultural electricity consumption data, and other basic information, agricultural electricity consumption data, and other basic information of Cheng’an County, information Cheng’an County, wherein the socio-economic relatedYearbook data came the Statistical wherein theofsocio-economic related data came from the Statistical offrom Cheng’an County; Yearbook of Cheng’an County; the data agricultural planting structure data came from Bureau; Cheng’an County the agricultural planting structure came from Cheng’an County Agricultural 2008–2015 Agricultural Bureau; 2008–2015 Cheng’an Countyand Water AnnualWater Report and 2013 Cheng’an County Water Resources Annual Report 2013 Resources Cheng’an County Conservancy Cheng’an County Water Conservancy Census Results provided by Cheng’an County Water Census Results provided by Cheng’an County Water Conservancy Bureau; the daily precipitation Conservancy Bureau; the dailystation precipitation data of the Cheng’an rainfall station were obtained from data of the Cheng’an rainfall were obtained from the Hydrological Bureau of Hebei Province, the Hydrological Bureau of Hebei Province, dated between 1956 and 2015; the groundwater depth dated between 1956 and 2015; the groundwater depth information was obtained from the Hydrological information was obtained from the Hydrological Bureau Handan City, dated between and Bureau of Handan City, dated between 2006 and 2015 (nineof groundwater observation points,2006 two deep 2015 (nine groundwater observation points, two deep groundwater observation points, with monthly groundwater observation points, with monthly observation data). In addition, the study also collected observation addition, the study also collected four well-log data (both shallowproject wells)areas, within four well-logdata). data In (both shallow wells) within the groundwater exploitation restriction of the groundwater exploitation restriction project areas, of which, the three wells are as located in the which, the three wells are located in the Baisiying and Zhanghedian Townships as well Shangcheng Baisiying and Zhanghedian Townships as well as twice Shangcheng Town, withSeptember, 2013~2015respectively). monitoring Town, with 2013–2015 monitoring data (monitoring a year, in May and data (monitoring twice a year, in May and September, respectively). Another well is located in Another well is located in Changxiangying Township, with 2013 to 2015 monthly monitoring data; Changxiangying Township, with 2013 to 2015consumption monthly monitoring data;town the and monthly agricultural the monthly agricultural irrigation electricity data in each township in 2013 irrigation electricity consumption data in each town and township in 2013 and 2015 were provided and 2015 were provided by the Electric Power Bureau of Cheng’an County; the electricity data of by the Electricextraction Power Bureau Cheng’an County; theprovided electricitybydata of groundwater in groundwater in the of experimental areas were the person in charge extraction of each of the the experimental areas were provided by the person in charge of each of the village wells. village wells. According Accordingto tothe thestatistical statisticalanalysis, analysis,the thetotal totalamount amountof ofwater waterresources resources in in Cheng’an Cheng’anCounty Countyisis 3 3 64.98 64.98million million m m3, ,and andthe theavailable availablewater wateryield yieldof ofwater waterresources resources is is 53.83 53.83 million million m m3..The Theinter-annual inter-annual changes in precipitation are great in Cheng’an County, and the distribution within the changes in precipitation are great in Cheng’an County, and the distribution within theyear yearisisuneven; uneven; approximate 73percent percentofof annual precipitation is concentrated theseason floodofseason June to approximate 73 annual precipitation is concentrated in the in flood June toof September. September. From the change of the average annual of areal precipitation 1956 From the change analysis of analysis the average annual amount ofamount areal precipitation from 1956from to 2015 in to 2015 in Cheng’an County rainfall station, it can be seen that rainfall showed a significant downward Cheng’an County rainfall station, it can be seen that rainfall showed a significant downward trend trend (Figure 2),awith a multi-year average amount of precipitation ofmm. 521.8The mm. The rainfall reached (Figure 2), with multi-year average amount of precipitation of 521.8 rainfall reached a peak ainpeak in 1963, reaching as high as 1390.6 mm; in 1992, the rainfall in Cheng’an County reached its 1963, reaching as high as 1390.6 mm; in 1992, the rainfall in Cheng’an County reached its lowest lowest point in nearly 50 years, at only 224.2 mm. point in nearly 50 years, at only 224.2 mm.

Annual precipitation (mm)

1600 1400 1200 1000 800 600 400 200 1956 1959 1962 1965 1968 1971 1974 1977 1980 1983 1986 1989 1992 1995 1998 2001 2004 2007 2010 2013

0 Year Figure 2. Variation in the annual amount of areal precipitation from 1956 to 2015 in Cheng’an County. Figure 2. Variation in the annual amount of areal precipitation from 1956 to 2015 in Cheng’an County.

3.Research ResearchMethods Methods 3. The comprehensive comprehensive treatment treatment for for groundwater groundwater over-exploitation over-exploitation in in Cheng’an Cheng’an County County was was The implemented in in 2014. 2014. As Assuch, such,2013 2013was wasundertaken undertakenas as the the pre-treatment pre-treatment baseline baseline year year for for the the implemented evaluation of groundwater exploitation restrictions, and 2015 was seen as the post-treatment baseline year. The actual exploitation quantity of agricultural groundwater is closely related to high and low

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evaluation of groundwater exploitation restrictions, and 2015 was seen as the post-treatment baseline year. The actual exploitation quantity of agricultural groundwater is closely related to high and low precipitations within the year. In years with abundant rainfall, the crops use more precipitation and require less amounts of irrigation; otherwise, the crops use less precipitation, leading to an increased demand for irrigation. Therefore, the amount of groundwater exploitation should take into account precipitation factors. The agricultural water exploitation quantity in a region with certain crop structures and water consumption is generally measured by the groundwater exploitation quantity in the normal flow year, because it has the strongest representativeness and approximates the expected quantity of groundwater exploitation under changes in precipitations for many years. In this study, the actual groundwater exploitation quantities in the pre-treatment baseline year (2013) and in the post-treatment baseline year (2015) were converted to the exploitation quantities under the normal flow year by calculating the actual exploitation quantities of agricultural groundwater and the conversions of high and low exploitation quantities, in addition to the exploitation restriction quantity of groundwater which was obtained through comparison and analysis, thus evaluating the comprehensive treatment effect for groundwater over-exploitation. 3.1. Selection of High, Normal, and Low Flow Representative Years in the Evaluated Regions In this study, the effective precipitation is regarded as actual rain-fed for agriculture. Effective precipitation is the amount of rainfall that infiltrates the soil and is stored in the water absorption layer of the main root of the crop [33]. It equals the amount of the precipitation that remains after surface runoff and deep percolation are deducted. It is affected by the depth of the water absorption layer of the root system, water holding capacity of the soil, antecedent soil water storage, rainfall intensity, rainfall amount, and other factors [34]. The article proposes that effective precipitation is the deduction of the loss of precipitation, and directly supplements precipitation for the growth of the crops. The effective precipitation was analyzed through areal precipitation from 1956 to 2015 in Cheng’an County. The effective precipitation was calculated according to the following formula: P0 = ∝ P, wherein, P0 is the effective precipitation (mm); P is the precipitation event (mm); ∝ is the coefficient of precipitation infiltration, which is related to the precipitation event, precipitation intensity, duration, soil properties, ground cover, terrain, and other relevant factors. It is generally believed that when the precipitation event is less than 5 mm, ∝ is 0; when the precipitation event is 5–50 mm, ∝ is 0.8 to 1; when the precipitation event is greater than 50 mm, ∝ is 0.7 to 0.8 [35,36]. It is known through analysis that the multiyear average effective precipitation of Cheng’an County is 311 mm. The Pearson III type curve was adopted for the calculation of experimental frequency curve, and the fitting degree R2 was not less than 0.92. Based on effective precipitation quantity, the high, normal, and low representative years within these recent 10 years were 2009, 2010, and 2007, respectively, when effective precipitation quantities were 377.07 mm, 341.43 mm, and 303.20 mm respectively. 3.2. Field Experiments of Exploitation Quantity per Kilowatt Hour for a Single Well in a Typical Zone Taking into account the differences that may exist between the groundwater exploitation restriction areas and the non-project areas, as well as the regional variability of exploitation quantity per kilowatt hour in a single well that may exist between different towns and townships, the experiment selected multiple typical zones for observation. They covered the hydraulic exploitation restriction project area and the agricultural exploitation restriction project area in Cheng’an County. The main planting structure of a typical zone is a wheat maize rotation. The irrigation method is mostly pipe irrigation and water resources are taken from shallow groundwater. In the typical zones of non-project areas and different types of project areas, the pumping well tests were carried out separately. Eight wells were selected in the project areas and two wells in the non-project areas were also selected. The irrigation extraction volume and electricity consumption within half an hour were recorded and the record interval was 6 min. Accordingly, groundwater exploitation quantity per kilowatt hour in a single well was calculated. The measurement results showed that the average exploitation quantity

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per kilowatt hour in a single well in the non-project areas was 2.89 m3 ; the exploitation quantity per kilowatt hourRes. in aPublic single well in 14, the0041 Water Conservation Projects of well irrigation districts, fertilizer Int. J. Environ. Health 2017, 7 of 14 integration projects, spring irrigation for winter wheat and water conservation projects were 2.52 m3 , electricity data of wells in the with high,the normal, and low representative years,data as well as the 2.37 m3 , andconsumption 1.33 m3 respectively. Combined irrigation electricity consumption of wells area of the the water consumption per ha crops area in the normal, low inirrigation the high, normal, andwells, low representative years, as well as of themain irrigation ofhigh, the wells, theand water flow representative typical were obtained analysis. consumption per ha ofyears mainincrops in zones the high, normal, andthrough low flow representative years in typical zones were obtained through analysis. 3.3. P-W Curve Plotting 3.3. P-W Curve Plotting According to the agricultural electricity consumption data and pumping quota outlining every According to the agricultural electricity consumption datacombined and pumping quota everyplanting single single kWh from 2007 to 2015 in Cheng’an County, with theoutlining agricultural kWh from 2007 to 2015 in Cheng’an County, combined with the agricultural planting structures, the structures, the quantity of the groundwater exploitation was analyzed and calculated in different quantity of the groundwater exploitation was analyzed andnormal, calculated in low different Accordingyears to years. According to the effective precipitation in high, and flowyears. representative the effective precipitation high, normal,and andusing low flow 2010, and 2007, (2009, 2010, and 2007, inrespectively), 2008representative and 2012 asyears the (2009, check-point years, the respectively), and using 2008 and 2012 as the check-point years, the precipitation–groundwater exploitation precipitation–groundwater exploitation (P-W) curve of effective precipitation (P) and groundwater (P-W) curve of effective (P) and groundwater exploitation quantity was plotted exploitation quantityprecipitation (W) was plotted (Figure 3), the power equation of the(W) P-W curve was(Figure fitted, 3), and 8 x−1.667 was obtained, wherein, −1.667 theequation power equation of8xthe P-W was fitted, andyequation y = 2 ×of10annual y = 2 × 10 wascurve obtained, wherein, is the quantity groundwater exploitation, yx is isthe of annual groundwater exploitation, x is an annual effective precipitation, and the anquantity annual effective precipitation, and the correlation coefficient R2 was 0.83. 2 correlation coefficient R was 0.83.

14100 Quantity of annual groundwater exploitation (104 m3)

P-W Curve fitting

Check point 1

Check point 2

12100 10100 8100 6100 y = 2 × 108 −1.667 R² = 0.8302

4100 2100 100 250

300

350

400

450

500

550

Effective precipitation (mm) Figure 3. 3. The precipitation–groundwater exploitation (P-W) curve analysis in in Cheng’an County. Figure The precipitation–groundwater exploitation (P-W) curve analysis Cheng’an County.

3.4. Calculation Exploitation Restriction Quantity 3.4. Calculation of of Exploitation Restriction Quantity The amount precipitation a normal flow year refers the amount precipitation 50% The amount ofof precipitation inin a normal flow year refers toto the amount ofof precipitation atat 50% frequency time in effective an effective precipitation fromto 1956 to Cheng’an 2013 in Cheng’an County. The frequency time in an precipitation series series from 1956 2013 in County. The quantity Med ofquantity groundwater exploitation corresponding to P can be found in the plotted P-W curve, namely W P of groundwater exploitation corresponding to 50 can be found in the plotted P-W curve, 50 2013 (ten thousandMed m3 ). namely W2013 (ten thousand m3). It is assumed that there are N well irrigation zones/well and canal irrigation zones in the It is assumed thatyear there are N irrigation zones/well irrigation in in theeach postpost-treatment baseline (2015) inwell the project area, and there and are Scanal planting types zones of crops treatment baseline year (2015) inirrigation. the project area, there are S of planting types of crops in each irrigation zone using groundwater If so, theand actual quantity groundwater exploitation in irrigation zone using groundwater irrigation. If so, the actual quantity of groundwater exploitation the post-treatment baseline year (2015) is: in the post-treatment baseline year (2015) is:  N S  N S 2015 ACT W2015 = ∑ ∑ wi,j · a2015 (1) 2015 2015 ACT W2015 = wi , j i,j⋅ a i , j (1) i=1 j=1

( i =1 j =1

)

is the area (ha) of well irrigation of type j crop in irrigation zone i in the post-treatment where a i2015 ,j is the exploitation (m3/ha) quantity per unit area of type j crop in baseline year (2015), and wi2015 ,j irrigation zone i in the post-treatment year (2015).

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where a2015 is the area (ha) of well irrigation of type j crop in irrigation zone i in the post-treatment i,j 2015 is the exploitation (m3 /ha) quantity per unit area of type j crop in baseline year (2015), and wi,j irrigation zone i in the post-treatment year (2015). The quantity of groundwater exploitation in the normal flow condition in the post-treatment baseline year (2015) was determined according to the quantity of groundwater exploitation in the normal flow condition in the pre-treatment baseline year (2013), the actual quantity of groundwater exploitation in the checking baseline year (2015), the amount of precipitation in the post-treatment baseline year (2015), and the P-W curve. The formula is:

Med Med W2015 = W2013 ×

ACT W2015 PW,2015 W2013

(2)

Med is the quantity (ten thousand m3 ) of groundwater exploitation in the normal flow condition where W2015 PW,2015 in the post-treatment baseline year (2015); W2013 is the quantity (ten thousand m3 ) of groundwater exploitation in the pre-treatment baseline year (2013), and the P-W curve corresponds to the amount of precipitation in the post-treatment baseline year (2015). The quantity of the groundwater exploitation restriction in the post-treatment baseline year (2015) is based upon the difference of the quantity of the groundwater exploitation in the normal flow condition in the pre-treatment baseline year (2013). The quantity of the groundwater exploitation in the normal flow condition in the post-treatment baseline year (2015) is determined by: Res Med Med W2015 = W2013 − W2015

(3)

Res is the quantity of groundwater exploitation restriction in the post-treatment baseline year where W2015 (2015) (ten thousand m3 ). Other symbols mean the same as previously stated.

4. Results and Discussion 4.1. Analysis of the Actual Quantity of Groundwater Exploitation in the Pre-Treatment and Post-Treatment Baseline Years Together with the statistical data of Cheng’an County Statistical Yearbook and Cheng’an County Water Resources Annual Report in 2013, as well as the planting structure of Cheng’an County in 2013 and the data of exploitation quantity per kilowatt-hour for a single well in non-project areas in the typical zone field experiments, the actual quantity of groundwater exploitation in Cheng’an County in the pre-treatment baseline year in 2013 was obtained. The 2013 actual exploitation quantity of agricultural groundwater in the area corresponding to the implementation area of the exploitation restriction project (project area) in 2014 in Cheng’an County was 26.8191 million m3 . The Cheng’an County Statistical Yearbook and Water Resources Annual Report of 2015 have not yet been published. According to the data of the agricultural planting structure and planting area of Cheng’an County in 2015, as well as the electricity consumption of irrigation in Cheng’an County in 2015, the quantity of the groundwater exploitation per unit area of Cheng’an County in 2015 was calculated (Table 1). The actual quantity of groundwater exploitation in the project area and non-project area in the 2015 planting structure in Cheng’an County were additionally obtained through the statistics. Accordingly, the total quantity of agricultural groundwater exploitation in the project area in Cheng’an County in 2015 was 27.6226 million m3 .

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Table 1. Actual quantity of agricultural groundwater exploitation in Cheng’an County in 2015 (in the project areas).

Type

Implemented Project

Planted Crops

Planting Area (ha)

Water Consumption per ha (m3 /ha)

Exploitation Quantity of Agricultural Groundwater (Ten Thousand m3 )

1

Surface water substitute for groundwater engineering

Wheat, corn

3733.33

1605 (groundwater)

599.57

2

Highly efficient water saving project in the well irrigation area

Wheat, corn

1686.67

3165

534.11

400

2535

9 of 14 101.79

3 4 5 6 Total

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14, 0041 and others Adjustment of planting modes Cotton,

Spring irrigation for winter wheat, Table 1. Actual quantity of agricultural groundwater exploitation Wheat 706.67 in Cheng’an County 2715 in 2015 (in the water saving, and stable production project areas). Conservation tillage Wheat 3333.33 3720 WaterType and fertilizerImplemented integration Project 1 2

Planted Wheat, corn Crops Vegetables

Surface water substitute for groundwater engineering Highly efficient water saving project in the well irrigation area

Wheat, corn Wheat, corn

Planting Water Area266.66 Consumption 213.33 (ha) per ha (m3/ha) 1605 10,340 3733.33 (groundwater) 1686.67

3165

Exploitation Quantity of 1560 Agricultural Groundwater 2265 (Ten Thousand m3)

191.61 1244.58 41.97 48.63

599.57 534.11

4.2. The Effect Evaluation of the Quantity of Groundwater Exploitation Restrictions Cotton, and 3

Adjustment of planting modes

others

400

2535

101.79

irrigation for winter wheat, The quantities ofSpring groundwater exploitation under706.67 normal conditions in the pre-treatment baseline 4 Wheat 2715 191.61 water saving, and stable production 3 year (2013) and the post-treatment baseline year (2015) in Cheng’an County were 5 Conservation tillage Wheat 3333.33 3720 1244.58 29.9207 million m corn 266.66 1560 41.97 3 , respectively, afterWheat, and 18.3034 million m calculation. The quantity of groundwater exploitation 6 Water and fertilizer integration Vegetables 213.33 2265 48.63 3 Total was restricted by 11.6173 million 10,340 in the project area m compared to that in the pre-treatment year. The quantities 4.2. of exploitation restrictions in the normal flow year in various projects obtained through The Effect Evaluation of the Quantity of Groundwater Exploitation Restrictions analysis were compared with the corresponding target quantities of exploitation restrictions in the The quantities of groundwater exploitation under normal conditions in the pre-treatment implementation plans of (2013) the comprehensive treatment groundwater over-exploitation in various baseline year and the post-treatment baseline of year (2015) in Cheng’an County were 3 and 18.3034 million m3, respectively, after calculation. The quantity of 29.9207 million m projects throughout 2014. Furthermore, the completion rates of the comprehensive treatment of groundwater exploitation in the project area was restricted by 11.6173 million m3 compared to that groundwater over-exploitation in various projects in Cheng’an County can be obtained (Figure 4). in the pre-treatment year. The quantities of exploitation restrictions in the normal flow year in various projects obtained through analysis were compared with the corresponding of area, project 2 In Figure 4, project 1 represents highly efficient water saving projects in thetarget well quantities irrigation exploitation restrictions in the implementation plans of the comprehensive treatment of groundwater represents surface water substitutes for groundwater engineering, project 3 represents adjustment over-exploitation in various projects throughout 2014. Furthermore, the completion rates of the of planting modes, projecttreatment 4 represents conservation tillage, project 5 represents comprehensive of groundwater over-exploitation in various projects in Cheng’anspring County irrigation for can be obtained 4). In Figure 4, project 1 represents efficient water saving in winter wheat (water saving(Figure and stable production), project highly 6 represents water andprojects fertilizer integration the well irrigation area, project 2 represents surface water substitutes for groundwater engineering, (vegetables), and project 7 represents andmodes, fertilizer (wheat and corn). the Figure, project 3 represents adjustmentwater of planting projectintegration 4 represents conservation tillage, projectFrom 5 represents spring irrigationrates for winter (water saving and stableprojects production), 6 it can be seen that the completion of allwheat exploitation restriction in project Cheng’an County in represents water and fertilizer integration (vegetables), and project 7 represents water and fertilizer 2015 were satisfactory. The completion rate of agricultural measures is slightly higher than that of integration (wheat and corn). From the Figure, it can be seen that the completion rates of all water conservancy projects. Inprojects termsinof the surface replacement groundwater projects, as exploitation restriction Cheng’an County inwater 2015 were satisfactory. Theof completion rate of agricultural engineering measures is slightly higher than that of diversion water conservancy projects. terms of been the the current supporting facilities of water project haveInnot yet completed, surface water replacement of groundwater projects, as the current supporting engineering facilities the completionofrate is relatively low. water diversion project have not yet been completed, the completion rate is relatively low.

The target completion rates (%)

100 80 60 40 20 0 Project 1 Project 2 Project 3 Project 4 Project 5 Project 6 Project 7 Figure 4. The target completion rates of the groundwater exploitation restriction projects. Project 1

Figure 4. The represents target completion of the groundwater exploitation projects. Project 1 highly efficient rates water saving projects in the well irrigation area; Projectrestriction 2 represents surface water efficient substitutes for groundwater engineering; 3 represents adjustment ofarea; plantingProject modes; 2 represents represents highly water saving projectsProject in the well irrigation surface water substitutes for groundwater engineering; Project 3 represents adjustment of planting modes; Project 4 represents conservation tillage; Project 5 represents spring irrigation for winter wheat (water saving and stable production); Project 6 represents water and fertilizer integration (vegetables); and Project 7 represents water and fertilizer integration (wheat and corn).

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Project 4 represents conservation tillage; Project 5 represents spring irrigation for winter wheat (water saving and stable production); Project 6 represents water and fertilizer integration (vegetables); and Project 7 represents water and fertilizer integration (wheat and corn).

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4.3. Analysis of the Recovery Effect of Groundwater Depth before and after Treatment

Groundwater depth (m)

4.3. Analysis of the Recovery Effect of Groundwater Depth before and after Treatment 4.3.1. Variation of Groundwater Depth in the Project Areas 4.3.1. Variation of Groundwater Depth in the Project Areas Based on the well-log data in the exploitation restriction project areas, combined with the Baseddata on the well-log data inexploitation the exploitation restriction project areas, combined with the calculated of the groundwater quantity in the project areas of this evaluation report, calculated data of the groundwater exploitation quantity in thebefore project areas this evaluation report, the recovery effect of the groundwater depth in the project area and afteroftreatment was analyzed. the of the groundwater in the project areaand before afterand treatment was analyzed. Therecovery well-logeffect in Baisiying Township isdepth located in the wheat cornand water fertilizer integration The well-log in Baisiying Township is located in theiswheat and corn waterwater and fertilizer integration project area. The well-log in Zhanghedian Township located in the surface replacement project project area. The well-log in Zhanghedian Township is located in the surface replacement project area. The well-log in Shangcheng Town east is located in the vegetable filmwater drip irrigation water and area. Theintegrated well-log in Shangcheng Townthe east is located in the vegetableTownship film drip irrigation fertilizer project area. Lastly, well-log in Changxiangying is located water in the and fertilizer project Lastly, the well-log in Changxiangying Township located in winter wheatintegrated water-saving andarea. stable production project area. The analysis of the is variation of the winter wheat water-saving and areas stableshows production project area. Thedepths analysis the variation groundwater depths in the project that the groundwater of of three well-logs of in groundwater in the Townships project areas the groundwater depths of three well-logs in Baisiying and depths Zhanghedian as shows well asthat Shangcheng Town in the project areas in May 2015 Baisiying andthan Zhanghedian Townships as well as Shangcheng Town in the project areas 2015 were higher that of May 2013, with measured depths that were 10 m, 20 m, andin2 May m higher were higher than that of May 2013, with measured wereextent 10 m, (Figure 20 m, and 2 mwell-log higher respectively. Additionally, the groundwater level was depths restoredthat to some 5). The respectively. Additionally, the Township groundwater level that was restored to some extent The well-log analysis of Changxiangying shows the groundwater depth(Figure of the5).well-log after analysis of by Changxiangying Township showsrestriction that the groundwater of thetowell-log after treatment treatment the groundwater exploitation project wasdepth restored, some extent, from an by the groundwater restriction was restored, extent, from exploitation an average average depth of 44.2exploitation m in 2013 to 43.1 m inproject 2015. From the viewtoofsome the groundwater depth of 44.2 m inand 2013after to 43.1 m in 2015. the view of the groundwater quantities before treatment in From the project areas calculated in thisexploitation study, the quantities change of before and after treatment in the project calculated in thisand study, change of groundwater groundwater depths was consistent withareas the research results, thethe quantities groundwater depths was consistent with reduced the research results, the quantities of groundwater exploitation were exploitation were relatively in the projectand areas. relatively reduced in the project areas.

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50

Baisiying

May,2013

Shangchen

Sept,2013

May,2014 Time (a)

Figure 5. Cont.

Zhanghedian

May,2015

Aug,2015

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0 0

20

30

Nov,2015

Sept,2015 Nov,2015

Jul,2015 Sept,2015

May,2015

Jul,2015

May,2015

Jan,2015

Mar,2015

Mar,2015

Nov,2014

Jan,2015

Nov,2014

Time

Sept,2014 Sept,2014

Jul,2014 Jul,2014

Mar,2014 Mar,2014

May,2014 May,2014

Jan,2014 Jan,2014

Nov,2013 Nov,2013

Sept,2013 Sept,2013

Jul,2013

Jan,2013

60

Jul,2013

Jan,2013

60 50

May,2013

40

May,2013

50

20

Mar,2013

40

Changxiangying

10

Mar,2013

30

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Changxiangying

10 Groundwater depth (m)

Groundwater depth (m)

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(b)Time (b)before and after treatment in the project areas. Figure Comparison ofofthe thegroundwater groundwater depth Figure 5. 5. Comparison depth before and after treatment in the project areas. (a) The (a) The well-logs in Baisiying and Zhanghedian Townships asand well as Shangcheng (b) well-log Figure 5. Baisiying Comparison the groundwater depth before treatmentTown; inTown; the(b) project areas. well-logs in andofZhanghedian Townships as well as after Shangcheng TheThe well-log in in Changxiangying Township. (a) The well-logsTownship. in Baisiying and Zhanghedian Townships as well as Shangcheng Town; (b) The well-log Changxiangying in Changxiangying Township.

4.3.2. Variation of Groundwater Depth across the County 4.3.2. Variation of Groundwater Depth across the County 4.3.2. Variation of Groundwater Depth across the County Based on the average areal groundwater depth of Cheng’an County from 2006 to 2015, the Based onon the average areal groundwater depth ofCheng’an Cheng’an County from 20062015, to 2015, the average areal groundwater depth ofCounty County from 2006betoseen theafter shallow Based and deep the groundwater depth map of Cheng’an was plotted. It can that shallow and deep groundwater depth map of Cheng’an County was plotted. It can be seen that after and deep groundwater depth map of Cheng’anofCounty was plotted. It can be seen that after the the shallow implementation of the comprehensive treatment groundwater exploitation restrictions, the the implementation groundwater exploitation restrictions, implementationofofthe thecomprehensive comprehensive treatment treatment ofofgroundwater exploitation restrictions, the the groundwater depth in the project area maintained an upward trend, however, the county’s shallow groundwater depth ininthe anupward upwardtrend, trend, however, county’s shallow groundwater depth theproject projectarea area maintained maintained an however, thethe county’s shallow and deep groundwater levels were still falling, as shown in Figure 6. This shows that although the andand deep groundwater as shown shownininFigure Figure This shows although deep groundwaterlevels levelswere werestill still falling, falling, as 6. 6. This shows thatthat although the the groundwater level had been restored compared to how it was prior to the exploitation restriction groundwater level hadbeen beenrestored restored compared compared to to to thethe exploitation restriction groundwater level had tohow howititwas wasprior prior exploitation restriction measures thatthat were taken, of the the groundwaterlevel level revealed to the measures were taken,the therestoration restoration effect effect is is revealed duedue to the measures that were taken, the restoration effect of of thegroundwater groundwater level is revealed due to the relatively small proportion of the groundwater exploitation restriction project areas. The relatively small proportion of the groundwater exploitation restriction project areas. The relatively small proportion of the groundwater exploitation restriction project areas. The groundwater groundwater depth is still falling across the andthe theecological ecologicalrestoration restoration of groundwater groundwater depth is still falling acrossand the county county and of groundwater in in depth is still falling across the county the ecological restoration of groundwater in Cheng’an Cheng’an County remains a focus Cheng’an County remains a focusfor forfurther further initiatives. initiatives. County remains a focus for further initiatives.

Groundwatr depth（m）

10 10 20 30 40

Shallowgroundwater groundwater depth Shallow depth

Annual average Annual average

20 30 40 50

50 60

60

Jan-2006 Jan-2006 Jul-2006 Jul-2006 Jan-2007 Jan-2007 Jul-2007 Jul-2007 Jan-2008 Jan-2008 Jul-2008 Jul-2008 Jan-2009 Jan-2009 Jul-2009 Jul-2009 Jan-2010 Jan-2010 Jul-2010 Jul-2010 Jan-2011 Jan-2011 Jul-2011 Jul-2011 Jan-2012 Jan-2012 Jul-2012 Jul-2012 Jan-2013 Jan-2013 Jul-2013 Jul-2013 Jan-2014 Jan-2014 Jul-2014 Jul-2014 Jan-2015 Jan-2015 Jul-2015 Jul-2015

Groundwatr depth（m）

0 0

Time

(a)

Time

(a)6. Cont. Figure

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Groundwater depth（m）

0 Deep groundwater depth

10

Annual average

20 30 40 50 60 70 Jan-2006 Jul-2006 Jan-2007 Jul-2007 Jan-2008 Jul-2008 Jan-2009 Jul-2009 Jan-2010 Jul-2010 Jan-2011 Jul-2011 Jan-2012 Jul-2012 Jan-2013 Jul-2013 Jan-2014 Jul-2014 Jan-2015 Jul-2015

80

Time (b) Figure 6. Variation of groundwater depth from 2006 to 2015 in Cheng’an County: (a) Shallow; (b) Deep.

Figure 6. Variation of groundwater depth from 2006 to 2015 in Cheng’an County: (a) Shallow; (b) Deep.

4.4. 4.4. Shortcomings and Limitations Shortcomings and Limitations TheThe study made on the theeffect effectofofthethegroundwater groundwater exploitation study madea aquantitative quantitative evaluation evaluation on exploitation restriction for comprehensive the comprehensive treatment of groundwater the groundwater over-exploitation of Cheng’an restriction for the treatment of the over-exploitation of Cheng’an County, County, Hebei Province based the hydro-meteorological data,agricultural agricultural electricity consumption, Hebei Province based on the on hydro-meteorological data, electricity consumption, groundwater levels, etc.However, However,this thisstudy study has and limitations. First, due due to to groundwater levels, etc. has its itsown ownshortcomings shortcomings and limitations. First, time and energy constraints, this study failed to carry out the pumping experiments to test water time and energy constraints, this study failed to carry out the pumping experiments to test water yields per kilowatt hour for all of the wells in the project areas. Instead, the sampling experiment was per yields kilowatt hour for all of the wells in the project areas. Instead, the sampling experiment was carried carried out in a few typical areas. As a result, inconsistency of the water yields for some wells may out in a few typical areas. As a result, inconsistency of the water yields for some wells may be ignored. be ignored. Second, considering the comprehensive treatment project on groundwater overSecond, considering the comprehensive treatment project on groundwater over-exploitation has been exploitation has been running for just one year when this research began, the groundwater level has running forobviously just one risen, year when research began, groundwater level not yet aobviously not yet while this the water table in thethe non-project area has nothas displayed rise due torisen, while water table inofthe non-project areathe hasoverall not displayed a rise duethere to the small percentage of thethe small percentage project area against area. Nevertheless, will be subsequent project area against the overall area. Nevertheless, there will be subsequent research studies research studies concerning the groundwater over-exploitation status. Third, the study area concerning in this the paper groundwater over-exploitation Third,data the study areaand in this paper isassociated limited forwith the reasons is limited for the reasons status. surrounding collection difficulties the surrounding dataofcollection andbut difficulties associated with will the arrangements experiments, but in arrangements experiments, in the future, the authors try to conduct aofstudy on a wider such the North China Plain, using athe sameon evaluation the scale, future, theasauthors will try to conduct study a widermethod. scale, such as the North China Plain, using the same evaluation method. 5. Conclusions

5. Conclusions This study involved collection of 58 years (1956–2013) of rainfall data from Cheng’an County for hydrological analysis, and agricultural irrigation of power datadata (2007–2015). The P-WCounty curve for This study frequency involved collection of 58 years (1956–2013) rainfall from Cheng’an was established from the data ofand the three years closest to high, normal, and low flow representative hydrological frequency analysis, agricultural irrigation power data (2007–2015). The P-W curve years between 2007 and 2013. Then the relationship between agricultural electricity consumption and was established from the data of the three years closest to high, normal, and low flow representative groundwater exploitation quantity was determined through field experiments, including the various years between 2007 and 2013. Then the relationship between agricultural electricity consumption and pressure water extraction projects and non-project conditions. Based on the P-W curve, the quantities groundwater exploitation quantity was determined through field experiments, including the various of the groundwater exploitation of the pre-treatment baseline year (2013) and the post-treatment pressure water andtonon-project conditions. Basedexploitation on the P-Wincurve, the quantities baseline yearextraction (2015) wereprojects converted the quantities of groundwater the normal flow of the groundwater exploitation of compared the pre-treatment baseline year (2013) and the post-treatment year. Finally, their differences were to determine the quantities of exploitation restrictions baseline (2015) were converted to the of groundwater exploitation in County. the normal flow of theyear comprehensive treatment project forquantities groundwater over-exploitation in Cheng’an year. Finally, their differences were compared to determine the quantities of exploitation The results show that the quantity of exploited groundwater in the project area was restrictions restricted of 3 between 2013 and 2015. Among them, projects related to conservation tillage by 11.6173 million m the comprehensive treatment project for groundwater over-exploitation in Cheng’an County. and water andshow fertilizer integration haveof had a higher completion rate in (>90%), while the surface The results that the quantity exploited groundwater the project area was water restricted

by 11.6173 million m3 between 2013 and 2015. Among them, projects related to conservation tillage and water and fertilizer integration have had a higher completion rate (>90%), while the surface water replacement of groundwater projects have had a lower rate, which is just 60%. On the other hand,

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the project area groundwater level rise data also shows the comprehensive treatment of groundwater over-exploitation to obtain effects. This shows that treatment of groundwater over-exploitation in Cheng’an County has been effective, but some of the projects such as the surface water replacement project still have the problem of low efficiency. This study proposes a method for calculating the quantity of groundwater exploitation restrictions by converting agriculture irrigation electricity consumption into water volumes. This method took into account the influences of natural rainfall on agricultural irrigation water consumption, realized the quantitative evaluation of groundwater exploitation restrictions, and accordingly provided some technical support for the comprehensive treatment of the groundwater over-exploitation in Hebei Province and similar regions. Acknowledgments: The researchers would like to extend their thanks to the Chinese National key research and development program (2016YFC0401401) and Chinese National Natural Science Foundation (No. 51522907, No. 51279208, No. 51109222). The study was also supported by the Research Fund of the China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research (No. WR0145B502016, No. 2016ZY02). Author Contributions: Jiahong Liu and Jianhua Wang conceived and designed the experiments; Jinjun Zhou and Chenyao Xiang performed the experiments; Weiwei Shao and Haixing Zhang analyzed the data; Guiyu Yang and Yun Tang contributed analysis tools; Weiwei Shao, Jinjun Zhou, and Haixing Zhang wrote the paper. Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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