Analysis on evolution and driving factors of water consumption structure of districts and counties in Zhangjiakou City

Taking the 14 districts (counties) in Zhangjiakou city as the study area, the evolution and driving factors of water consumption and structure were analyzed by using the partial least squares (PLS). The results show that the water consumption and equilibrium degree of Zhangjiakou city are stable from 2005 to 2025, and the water consumption structure tended to relatively balanced. There are significant difference among the 14 districts (counties). The study area are divided into the following four types according to the characteristics of water consumption and structure: the optimal area (low water consumption and high equilibrium), the good area (low water consumption and low equilibrium), the medium area (high water consumption and high equilibrium) and the qualified area (high water consumption and low equilibrium). Social (total population, rural and urban population) and economic (cultivated area) factors are the main driving factors affecting the water consumption and structure, respectively. Improving population and crop structure, formula water consumption quota, and promoting advanced water-saving technologies are effective control measures of water consumption planning to realize the efficient utilization of water sources and balance of water consumption structure.