Risk assessment of drought-induced water scarcity in upper and middle reaches of Xiu River

In this paper, an index-based approach was presented to assess water scarcity risk induced by drought based on relationship between water use and water supply. Firstly, the index system of water scarcity risk was established from the viewpoint of hazard. exposure and vulnerability, which included drought hazard index (frequency, duration, and severity of droughts), exposure index (water use) and vulnerability index (relative water shortage). Then, an integrated risk index, namely water scarcity risk index (WSRI), was proposed using a multiplicative formula of drought hazard index, exposure index and vulnerability index to quantitatively assess drought-induced water scarcity risk. Finally, the WSRI-based approach was applied to a case study of assessing water scarcity risk in the upper and middle reaches of Xiu River. China. The results show that the drought-induced water scarcity risk of upper and middle reaches of Xiu River was at a low level, which was in line with the situation about the level of water resources exploitation and utilization in the study area. This study can serve as a reference for further water resources planning in the Xiu River Basin, and other relevant studies.