Task Group Water

Facilitation of Sustainable Megacity Development through Water Resource Efficiency


Urumqi is located in arid Northwest China. The continental steppe climate is characterised by hot, dry summers with an average temperature of 24°C in July, and cold humid winters with an average temperature of -16°C in January. Annual precipitation is only 200-300 mm. The mountain range Tianshan, covered with snow and glaciers provides the natural basis of existence in this region. It is the melt water in summer that makes life and agriculture in the oasis cities at the foot of the mountains – among them Urumqi – possible in the first place.

China

General map of China with Ürümqi (Source: CIA Factbook; public Domain)

 
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Groundwater is another important resource, helping to cover the current demand for water. The groundwater, however, mainly originates from the meltwater seepage. Today’s water demand can already only be guaranteed with the help of artificial and natural reservoirs.