Village Settlements’ Perspective on Rural Water Accessibility: A Mountainous Water Security Measurement Approach

Abstract

In rural planning, ensuring sustainable water management is pivotal, particularly in addressing the challenges posed by the absence of comprehensive rural water security assessments. Despite the abundance of water resources in mountainous regions, their accessibility and utilization remain significant hurdles for local populations, often hindering sustainable development. This study proposed a rural water accessibility (RWA) model, focusing on village settlements (VSs) as fundamental units for water utilization. The model examines two critical aspects of mountainous water security that are essential for sustainability: the supply–demand relation between VSs and their water sources, and the water availability to characterize difficulties in obtaining water sources in complex terrain. Using data from 1156 natural VSs in Dongchuan District, Kunming, water demand was calculated based on population and local average rural water demand per person. Springs and streams were identified as main and standby water sources, respectively. The RWA model evaluates the supply–demand balance and assesses water availability using the least-cost path (LCP) method. The results establish RWA grades, indicating water security conditions for VSs. This approach effectively identifies supply–demand relations and determines water demand gaps, facilitating targeted water management in rural areas, especially during droughts. It enables managers to accurately gauge the grade of water accessibility for each VS, allowing for prompt and tailored emergency water supply interventions. Furthermore, aggregating the RWA of each VS can provide valuable insights for devising sustainable water management strategies in mountainous regions.