International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Article An Effect Analysis of Comprehensive Treatment of Groundwater Over-Exploitation in Cheng’an County, 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 State Key Laboratory of Simulation and Regulation of Water Cycle in River Basin, China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, 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.) 2 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 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 www.mdpi.com/journal/ijerph Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14, 41 2 of 14 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 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 . 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 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, , and Xingtai) covering 49 counties. Regarding the comprehensive treatment of Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14, 41 3 of 14 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 114◦290–114◦530 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 Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14, 41 4 of 14 exploitationInt. J. Environ. restriction Res. Public Health projects. 2017, 14 In, 0041 addition, combined with agricultural water pricing reform, 4 of water14 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 treatmentswell as industrial for groundwater and urban over-exploitation. domestic groundwater This paper exploitation mainly evaluates restrictions, and the analyzes county thehas completioncarried effectout of a theseries water of conservancycomprehensive projects treatments and agricultural for groundwater projects over-exploitation. implemented by This Cheng’an paper Countymainly for theevaluates exploitation and restrictionsanalyzes the of completion agricultural effect groundwater of the water conservancy in 2014. projects and agricultural projects implementedThe implementation by Cheng’an of County comprehensive for the exploitation treatment restrictions projects of for agricultural groundwater groundwater over-exploitation in 2014. in Cheng’anThe implementation County in 2014 of iscomprehensive as follows (Figure treatment1): The projects irrigation for groundwater area of surface over-exploitation water replacing in groundwaterCheng’an County reached in 3733.33 2014 is ha, as includingfollows (Figure Daodongbu 1): The Township,irrigation area Xinyi of Township,surface water etc., replacing with a total of 42groundwater villages. The reached irrigation 3733.33 area ha, of including efficient Daodongb water-savingu Township, projects inXinyi the Township, well irrigation etc., with areas a total reached 1686.67of 42 ha,villages. including The irrigation Beixiangyi area Township, of efficient with water- a totalsaving of projects 14 villages. in the The well planting irrigation area areas of reached cultivation mode1686.67 adjustment ha, including reached Beixiangyi 400 ha, Township, including with Zhongganluo a total of 14 Villagevillages. and The Xinjiplanting Village area inof cultivation Zhanghedian Townmode where adjustment deep groundwater reached 400 ha, over-exploitation including Zhongg wasanluo severe, Village andand Xinji also Village including in Zhanghedian 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, withwith a total a total of of more more than than 20 20 villages.villages. The The wheat-corn wheat-corn fertilizer fertilizer integration integration project project covered covered an area an of area of 266.67266.67 ha,ha, includingincluding nine villages villages in in Changxiang Changxiang and and Baisiying Baisiying Townships, Townships, as well as well as three as three other other townships.townships. The The conservation conservation tillage tillage project project coveredcovered an an area area of of 3333.33 3333.33 ha, ha, including including 58 58family family farms farms andand grain grain planting planting cooperation cooperation organizations organizations all arou aroundnd the the county. county. The The fertilizer fertilizer integration integration project project forfor drip drip irrigation irrigation under under the the vegetable vegetable membranemembrane covered covered an an area area of of 213.33 213.33 ha, ha, including including 10 towns, 10 towns, townships,townships, and and 19 19 business business entities. entities.

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.

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14, 41 5 of 14 Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14, 0041 5 of 14

TheThe studystudy collectedcollected socio-economic socio-economic development developmen data,t data, agricultural agricultural information information (suchas (such planting as plantingstructure, structure, etc.), water etc.), resource water basic resource data, a longbasic series data, of a annual long series precipitation of annual data, precipitation groundwater depthdata, groundwaterinformation, agriculturaldepth information, electricity consumptionagricultural data,electricity and other consumption basic information data, ofand Cheng’an other County,basic informationwherein the of socio-economic Cheng’an County, related wherein data camethe socio- fromeconomic the Statistical related Yearbook data came of from Cheng’an the Statistical County; Yearbookthe agricultural of Cheng’an planting County; structure the dataagricultural came from planting Cheng’an structure County data Agricultural came from Bureau;Cheng’an 2008–2015 County AgriculturalCheng’an County Bureau; Water 2008–2015 Resources Cheng’an Annual ReportCounty and Water 2013 Resources Cheng’an CountyAnnual WaterReport Conservancy and 2013 Cheng’anCensus Results County provided Water byConservancy Cheng’an CountyCensus Water Results Conservancy provided Bureau;by Cheng’an the daily County precipitation Water Conservancydata of the Cheng’an Bureau; the rainfall daily station precipitation were obtained data of the from Cheng’an the Hydrological rainfall station Bureau were of Hebei obtained Province, from thedated Hydrological between 1956 Bureau and 2015; of Hebei the groundwater Province, da depthted between information 1956 wasand obtained2015; the from groundwater the Hydrological depth informationBureau of Handan was obtained City, dated from between the Hydrological 2006 and 2015 Bureau (nine of groundwater Handan City, observation dated between points, 2006 two deepand 2015groundwater (nine groundwater observation observation points, with points, monthly two observation deep groundwater data). In observation addition, the points, study with also monthly collected observationfour well-log data). data In (both addition, shallow the wells) study within also collected the groundwater four well-log exploitation data (both restriction shallow project wells) areas, within of thewhich, groundwater the three wells exploitation are located restriction in the Baisiying project area ands, Zhanghedian of which, the Townships three wells as wellare aslocated Shangcheng in the BaisiyingTown, with and 2013–2015 Zhanghedian monitoring Townships data (monitoring as well as twiceShangcheng a year, inTown, May andwith September, 2013~2015 respectively).monitoring dataAnother (monitoring well is located twice ina year, Changxiangying in May and Township,September, with respectively). 2013 to 2015 Another monthly well monitoring is located data; in Changxiangyingthe monthly agricultural Township, irrigation with 2013 electricity to 2015 consumption monthly monitoring data in each data; town the andmonthly township agricultural in 2013 irrigationand 2015 electricity were provided consumption by the Electric data in Powereach town Bureau andof township Cheng’an in County;2013 and the 2015 electricity were provided data of bygroundwater the Electric extraction Power Bureau in the of experimental Cheng’an County; areas were the provided electricity by data the personof groundwater in charge extraction of each of thein thevillage experimental wells. areas were provided by the person in charge of each of the village wells. AccordingAccording to to the the statistical statistical analysis, analysis, the the total total am amountount of of water water resources resources in in Cheng’an Cheng’an County County is is 3 3 64.9864.98 million million m m3, ,and and the the available available water water yield yield of of water water resources resources is is 53.83 53.83 million million m m3. .The The inter-annual inter-annual changeschanges in in precipitation precipitation are are great great in in Cheng’an Cheng’an County, County, and and the the distribution distribution within within the the year year is is uneven; uneven; approximateapproximate 7373 percentpercent of of annual annual precipitation precipitation is concentrated is concentrated in the in flood the season flood ofseason June to of September. June to September.From the change From the analysis change of analysis the average of the annual average amount annual of amount areal precipitation of areal precipitation from 1956 from to 2015 1956 in toCheng’an 2015 in Cheng’an Countyrainfall Countystation, rainfall itstation, can be itseen can be that seen rainfall that rainfall showed showed a significant a significant downward downward trend trend(Figure (Figure2), with 2), a with multi-year a multi-year average average amount amount of precipitation of precipitation of 521.8 of mm. 521.8 The mm. rainfall The rainfall reached reached a peak ain peak 1963, in reaching 1963, reaching as high as as high 1390.6 as 1390.6 mm; in mm; 1992, in the 1992, rainfall the rainfall in Cheng’an in Cheng’an County County reached reached its lowest its lowestpoint in point nearly in nearly 50 years, 50 atyears, only at 224.2 only mm. 224.2 mm.

1600 1400 1200 1000 800 600 400

Annual precipitation (mm) 200 0 1956 1959 1962 1965 1968 1971 1974 1977 1980 1983 1986 1989 1992 1995 1998 2001 2004 2007 2010 2013 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.

3.3. Research Research Methods Methods TheThe comprehensive comprehensive treatment treatment for for groundwater groundwater over-exploitation over-exploitation in in Cheng’an Cheng’an County County was was implementedimplemented in in 2014. 2014. As As such, such, 2013 2013 was was undertak undertakenen as as the the pre-treatment pre-treatment baseline baseline year year for for the the 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

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14, 41 6 of 14 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 Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14, 41 7 of 14 per kilowatt hour in a single well in the non-project areas was 2.89 m3; the exploitation quantity per kilowattInt. J. Environ. hour Res. in aPublic single Health well 2017 in, 14 the, 0041 Water Conservation Projects of well irrigation districts, fertilizer 7 of 14 integration projects, spring irrigation for winter wheat and water conservation projects were 2.52 m3, 2.37electricity m3, and consumption 1.33 m3 respectively. data of wells Combined in the withhigh, the normal, irrigation and low electricity representative consumption years, data as well of wells as the inirrigation the high, normal,area of the and wells, low representativethe water consumption years, as wellper ha as of the main irrigation crops areain the of high, the wells, normal, the and water low consumptionflow representative per ha of years main in crops typical in zones the high, were normal, obtained and through low flow analysis. 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 singleAccording kWh from to the agricultural2007 to 2015 electricity in Cheng’an consumption Coun dataty, combined and pumping with quota the outliningagricultural every planting single kWhstructures, from 2007 the to quantity 2015 in of Cheng’an the groundwater County, combined exploitation with was the agriculturalanalyzed and planting calculated structures, in different the quantityyears. According of the groundwater to the effective exploitation precipitation was analyzed in high, and normal, calculated and in low different flow years.representative According years to the(2009, effective 2010, precipitation and 2007, inrespectively), high, normal, and and using low flow2008 representative and 2012 as years the (2009,check-point 2010, andyears, 2007, the respectively),precipitation–groundwater and using 2008 and exploitation 2012 as the check-point(P-W) curve years, of effective the precipitation–groundwater precipitation (P) and exploitationgroundwater (P-W)exploitation curve of effectivequantity precipitation (W) was plotted (P) and (Figure groundwater 3), the power exploitation equation quantity of the (W) P-W was curve plotted was (Figure fitted,3 and), − theequation power equation y = 2 × 10 of8x the−1.667 P-W was curve obtained, wasfitted, wherein, and y equation is the quantiy = 2ty× of10 annual8x 1.667 groundwaterwas obtained, exploitation, wherein, yx is is the an quantityannual effective of annual precipitation, groundwater and exploitation, the correlation x is ancoefficient annual effectiveR2 was 0.83. precipitation, and the correlation coefficient R2 was 0.83.

14100 P-W Curve fitting Check point 1 Check point 2 12100 )

3 10100 m 4 8100

6100 y = 2 × 108−1.667

exploitation (10 exploitation 4100 R² = 0.8302

Quantity of annual groundwater Quantity of annual 2100

100 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 Effective precipitation (mm)

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

3.4.3.4. Calculation Calculation of of Exploitation Exploitation Restriction Restriction Quantity Quantity TheThe amount amount of of precipitation precipitation in in a normala normal flow flow year year refers refers to to the the amount amount of of precipitation precipitation at at 50% 50% frequencyfrequency time time in anin effectivean effective precipitation precipitation series series from 1956from to 1956 2013 into Cheng’an2013 in Cheng’an County. The County. quantity The Med ofquantity groundwater of groundwater exploitation exploitation corresponding corresponding to P50 can be to found P50 incan the be plotted found P-W in the curve, plotted namely P-WW curve,2013 3 (ten thousandMed m ). namely W (ten thousand m3). It is assumed2013 that there are N well irrigation zones/well and canal irrigation zones in the post-treatmentIt is assumed baseline that year there (2015) are N in well the projectirrigation area, zones/well and there and are Scanalplanting irrigation types zones of crops in inthe each post- irrigationtreatment zone baseline using groundwateryear (2015) in irrigation. the project If so,area, the and actual there quantity are S ofplanting groundwater types of exploitation crops in each in theirrigation post-treatment zone using baseline groundwater year (2015) irrigation. is: If so, the actual quantity of groundwater exploitation in the post-treatment baseline year (2015) is: N S ACT N S 2015 2015 W ACT= w 2015· a 2015 (1) W2015 =∑ ∑ ()i,wj i⋅,ja 2015 i=1j=1 i, j i, j (1) i==11j

2015 where aij, is the area (ha) of well irrigation of type j crop in irrigation zone i in the post-treatment

2015 3 baseline year (2015), and wij, is the exploitation (m /ha) quantity per unit area of type j crop in irrigation zone i in the post-treatment year (2015).

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14, 41 8 of 14

2015 where ai,j is the area (ha) of well irrigation of type j crop in irrigation zone i in the post-treatment 2015 3 baseline year (2015), and wi,j is the exploitation (m /ha) quantity per unit area of type j crop in 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:

WACT Med = Med × 2015 W2015 W2013 PW,2015 (2) W2013

Med 3 where W2015 is the quantity (ten thousand m ) of groundwater exploitation in the normal flow condition PW,2015 3 in the post-treatment baseline year (2015); W2013 is the quantity (ten thousand m ) 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 where W2015 is the quantity of groundwater exploitation restriction in the post-treatment baseline year (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 (Table1). 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. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14, 41 9 of 14

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

Water Exploitation Quantity of Type Implemented Project Planted Crops Planting Area (ha) Consumption Agricultural Groundwater per ha (m3/ha) (Ten Thousand m3) Surface water substitute for 1605 1 Wheat, corn 3733.33 599.57 groundwater engineering (groundwater) Highly efficient water saving project 2 Wheat, corn 1686.67 3165 534.11 in the well irrigation area 3 AdjustmentInt. J. Environ. of planting Res. Public modes Health 2017, 14 Cotton,, 0041 and others 400 2535 9 of 14 101.79 Spring irrigation for winter wheat, 4 Table 1. Actual quantity of agriculturWheatal groundwater exploitation 706.67 in Cheng’an County 2715 in 2015 (in the 191.61 water saving, and stable production project areas). 5 Conservation tillage Wheat 3333.33 3720 1244.58 Planting Water Exploitation Quantity of Planted Type Implemented Project Wheat, cornArea 266.66Consumption Agricultural 1560 Groundwater 41.97 6 Water and fertilizer integration Crops Vegetables(ha) 213.33per ha (m3/ha) 2265(Ten Thousand m3) 48.63 Surface water substitute for 1605 Total 1 Wheat, corn 3733.3310,340 599.57 groundwater engineering (groundwater) Highly efficient water saving project 2 Wheat, corn 1686.67 3165 534.11 in the well irrigation area 4.2. The Effect Evaluation of the Quantity of GroundwaterCotton, and Exploitation Restrictions 3 Adjustment of planting modes 400 2535 101.79 others Spring irrigation for winter wheat, The quantities4 of groundwater exploitationWheat under 706.67 normal conditions 2715 in the 191.61 pre-treatment baseline water saving, and stable production 3 year (2013) and the5 post-treatmentConservation tillage baseline year Wheat (2015)3333.33 in Cheng’an3720 County 1244.58 were 29.9207 million m 3 Wheat, corn 266.66 1560 41.97 and 18.3034 million6 m Water, and respectively, fertilizer integration after calculation. The quantity of groundwater exploitation Vegetables 213.33 2265 48.63 3 in the project areaTotal was restricted by 11.6173 million 10,340 m compared to that in the pre-treatment year.

The quantities4.2. of exploitationThe Effect Evaluation restrictions of the Quantity in ofthe Groundwate normalr Exploitation flow year Restrictions in various projects obtained through 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 implementationbaseline plans year of (2013) the comprehensive and the post-treatment treatment baseline ofyear groundwater (2015) in Cheng’an over-exploitation County were in various projects throughout29.9207 million 2014. m Furthermore,3 and 18.3034 million the completionm3, respectively, rates after ofcalculation. the comprehensive The quantity of treatment of groundwater exploitation in the project area was restricted by 11.6173 million m3 compared to that groundwater over-exploitationin the pre-treatment year.in The various quantities projectsof exploitati inon restrictions Cheng’an in the County normal flow can year be in obtainedvarious (Figure4). In Figure4, projectprojects 1 represents obtained through highly analysis efficient were watercompared saving with the projects corresponding in the target well irrigationquantities of area, project 2 represents surfaceexploitation water restrictions substitutes in the implementation for groundwater plans of the engineering, comprehensive treatment project of 3 groundwater represents adjustment over-exploitation in various projects throughout 2014. Furthermore, the completion rates of the of planting modes,comprehensive project treatment 4 represents of groundwater conservation over-exploit tillage,ation in various project projects 5 represents in Cheng’an spring County irrigation for winter wheat (watercan be obtained saving (Figure and stable4). In Figure production), 4, project 1 re projectpresents highly 6 represents efficient water water saving and projects fertilizer in integration the well irrigation area, project 2 represents surface water substitutes for groundwater engineering, (vegetables), andproject project 3 represents 7 represents adjustment water of planting and modes, fertilizer project integration 4 represents conservation (wheat and tillage, corn). project From 5 the Figure, it can be seen thatrepresents the completionspring irrigation rates for winter of all wheat exploitation (water saving restriction and stable projectsproduction), in project Cheng’an 6 County in 2015 were satisfactory.represents water The and completion fertilizer integration rate of(vegetables), agricultural and project measures 7 represents is water slightly and fertilizer higher than that of integration (wheat and corn). From the Figure, it can be seen that the completion rates of all water conservancyexploitation projects. restriction In projects terms in ofCheng’an the surface County in water 2015 were replacement satisfactory. The of completion groundwater rate of projects, as the current supportingagricultural engineeringmeasures is slightly facilities higher than of water that of diversionwater conservancy project projects. have In notterms yet of beenthe completed, surface water replacement of groundwater projects, as the current supporting engineering facilities the completionof ratewater is diversion relatively project low. have not yet been completed, the completion rate is relatively low.

100

80

60 (%) 40

20 The target completion rates completion The target 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. Therepresents target completion highly efficient rateswater saving of the projects groundwater in the well irrigation exploitation area; Project restriction 2 represents surface projects. Project 1 represents highlywater efficientsubstitutes for water groundwater saving engineering; projects Proj inect the 3 represents well irrigationadjustment ofarea; planting Project modes; 2 represents 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). Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14, 0041 10 of 14

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). Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14, 41 10 of 14 4.3. Analysis of the Recovery Effect of Groundwater Depth before and after Treatment 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 calculatedBased data on theof the well-log groundwater data in exploitation the exploitation quantity restriction in the project project areas areas, of this combined evaluation with report, the calculatedthe recovery data effect of theof the groundwater groundwater exploitation depth in the quantity project area in the before project and areas after of treatment this evaluation was analyzed. report, theThe recovery well-log effectin Baisiying of the groundwater Township is depth located in thein the project wheat area and before corn and water after and treatment fertilizer was integration analyzed. Theproject well-log area. The in Baisiying well-log in Township Zhanghedian is located Township in the is wheat located and in the corn surface water water and fertilizer replacement integration project projectarea. The area. well-log The well-log in Shangcheng in Zhanghedian Town east Township is located islocated in the vegetable in the surface film waterdrip irrigation replacement water project and area.fertilizer The integrated well-log inproject Shangcheng area. Lastly, Town the east well-lo is locatedg in Changxiangying in the vegetable Town film dripship irrigationis located waterin the andwinter fertilizer wheat integratedwater-saving project and area. stable Lastly, production the well-log project in Changxiangyingarea. The analysis Township of the isvariation located inof thegroundwater winter wheat depths water-saving in the project and areas stable shows production that the project groundwater area. The depths analysis of ofthree the variationwell-logs ofin groundwaterBaisiying and depthsZhanghedian in the Township project areass as showswell as thatShangcheng the groundwater Town in the depths project of threeareas in well-logs May 2015 in Baisiyingwere higher and than Zhanghedian that of May Townships 2013, with as wellmeasured as Shangcheng depths that Town were in the10 m, project 20 m, areas and in2 Maym higher 2015 wererespectively. higher thanAdditionally, that of May the groundwater 2013, with measured level was depthsrestored that to some were extent 10 m, (Figure 20 m, and5). The 2 m well-log higher respectively.analysis of Changxiangying Additionally, the Township groundwater shows level th wasat restoredthe groundwater to some extent depth (Figure of the5). well-log The well-log after analysistreatment of by Changxiangying the groundwater Township exploitation shows restriction that the groundwater project was depth restored, of the to well-log some extent, after treatment from an byaverage the groundwater depth of 44.2 exploitation m in 2013 to restriction 43.1 m in project 2015. Fr wasom restored,the view toof some the groundwater extent, from exploitation an average depthquantities of 44.2 before m in and 2013 after to 43.1 treatment m in 2015. in Fromthe project the view areas of thecalculated groundwater in this exploitation study, the quantitieschange of beforegroundwater and after depths treatment was consistent in the project with areas the research calculated results, in this and study, the thequantities change of groundwatergroundwater depthsexploitation was consistentwere relatively with reduced the research in the results, project and areas. the quantities of groundwater exploitation were relatively reduced in the project areas.

0 5 Baisiying Shangchen Zhanghedian 10 15 20 25 30 35

Groundwater depthGroundwater (m) 40 45 50 May,2013 Sept,2013 May,2014 May,2015 Aug,2015 Time

(a)

Figure 5. Cont.

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14, 41 11 of 14 Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14, 0041 11 of 14

0 Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14, 0041 11 of 14 10 Changxiangying 0 20 10 Changxiangying 30 20 40 30

Groundwater depthGroundwater (m) 50 40 60 Groundwater depthGroundwater (m) 50

60 Jul,2015 Jul,2014 Jul,2013 Jan,2015 Jan,2014 Jan,2013 Nov,2015 Nov,2014 Nov,2013 Mar,2015 Mar,2014 Mar,2013 May,2015 May,2014 May,2013 Sept,2015 Sept,2014 Sept,2013 Jul,2015 Jul,2014 Jul,2013 Time Jan,2015 Jan,2014 Jan,2013 Nov,2015 Nov,2014 Nov,2013 Mar,2015 Mar,2014 Mar,2013 May,2015 May,2014 May,2013 Sept,2015 Sept,2014 Sept,2013 (b)Time

(b) FigureFigure 5. Comparison ofof the the groundwater groundwater depth depth before before and and after after treatment treatment in the in project the project areas. (areas.a) The (well-logsa) TheFigure well-logs in5. BaisiyingComparison in Baisiying and of Zhanghedian andthe groundwaterZhanghedian Townships depth Townships before as well as and well as after Shangcheng as Shangcheng treatment Town; in Town; the ( bproject) ( Theb) The well-logareas. well-log in inChangxiangying Changxiangying(a) The well-logs Township. in Township. Baisiying and Zhanghedian Townships as well as Shangcheng Town; (b) The well-log 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 on the average areal groundwater depth of Cheng’an County from 2006 to 2015, the shallow Basedand deep on thegroundwater average areal depth groundwater map of Cheng’an depth of CountyCheng’an was County plotted. from It can2006 be to seen 2015, that the after shallow and deep groundwater depth map of Cheng’an County was plotted. It can be seen that after the shallowimplementation and deep groundwaterof the comprehensive depth map oftreatmen Cheng’ant of County groundwater was plotted. exploitation It can be seen restrictions, that after the thethe implementation implementation of of the the comprehensive comprehensive treatmenttreatment of of groundwater groundwater exploitation exploitation restrictions, restrictions, the the groundwater depth in the project area maintained an upward trend, however, the county’s shallow groundwatergroundwater depth depth in in the the project project areaarea maintainedmaintained an an upward upward trend, trend, however, however, the thecounty’s county’s shallow shallow and deep groundwater levels were still falling, as shown in Figure 6. This shows that although the andand deep deep groundwater groundwater levels levels were were stillstill falling,falling, as as shown shown in in Figure Figure 6.6 This. This shows shows that that although although the the groundwater level had been restored compared to how it was prior to the exploitation restriction groundwatergroundwater level level had had been been restored restored comparedcompared to to how how it itwas was prior prior to tothe the exploitation exploitation restriction restriction measures that were taken, the restoration effect of the groundwater level is revealed due to the measuresmeasures that that were were taken, taken, the the restorationrestoration effect of of the the groundwater groundwater level level is revealed is revealed due dueto the to the relatively small proportion of the groundwater exploitation restriction project areas. The relativelyrelatively small small proportion proportion of the of groundwater the groundwate exploitationr exploitation restriction restriction project areas.project The areas. groundwater The groundwater depth is still falling across the county and the ecological restoration of groundwater in depthgroundwater is still falling depth across is still thefalling county across and the county the ecological and the ecological restoration restoration of groundwater of groundwater in Cheng’an in Cheng’an County remains a focus for further initiatives. CountyCheng’an remains County a focus remains for furthera focus initiatives.for further initiatives.

0 0

） 10 Shallow groundwater depth Annual average ） 10 Shallow groundwater depth Annual average m m （

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

Jul-2006 Jul-2007 Jul-2008 Jul-2009 TimeJul-2010 Jul-2011 Jul-2012 Jul-2013 Jul-2014 Jul-2015 Jan-2006 Jan-2007 Jan-2008 Jan-2009 Jan-2010 Jan-2011 Jan-2012 Jan-2013 Jan-2014 Jan-2015 Time (a)

Figure(a 6.) Cont.

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14, 41 12 of 14 Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14, 0041 12 of 14

0 Deep groundwater depth Annual average

） 10 m 20 （ 30 40 50 60

Groundwater depth 70 80 Jul-2006 Jul-2007 Jul-2008 Jul-2009 Jul-2010 Jul-2011 Jul-2012 Jul-2013 Jul-2014 Jul-2015 Jan-2006 Jan-2007 Jan-2008 Jan-2009 Jan-2010 Jan-2011 Jan-2012 Jan-2013 Jan-2014 Jan-2015 Time

(b)

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

4.4.4.4. Shortcomings Shortcomings and and Limitations Limitations TheThe study study made made a a quantitative quantitative evaluationevaluation on on the the effect effect of ofthe the groundwater groundwater exploitation exploitation restrictionrestriction for thefor comprehensivethe comprehensive treatment treatment of theof groundwaterthe groundwater over-exploitation over-exploitation of Cheng’anof Cheng’an County, HebeiCounty, Province Hebei Province based on based the on hydro-meteorological the hydro-meteorological data, data, agricultural agricultural electricity electricity consumption, consumption, groundwatergroundwater levels, levels, etc. etc. However, However, this this studystudy has its its own own shortcomings shortcomings and and limitations. limitations. First, First, due dueto to timetime and and energy energy constraints, constraints, this this study study failed failed to carryto carry out out the the pumping pumping experiments experiments to to test test water water yields peryields kilowatt per hourkilowatt for allhour of for the all wells of the in wells the project in the project areas. areas. Instead, Instead, the sampling the sampling experiment experiment was 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 over- Second, 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 runningnot yet for obviously just one risen, year whenwhile thisthe water research table began, in the thenon-project groundwater area has level not has displayed not yet a obviously rise due to risen, whilethe the small water percentage table in of the project non-project area against area the has ov noterall displayed area. Nevertheless, a rise due there to the will small be subsequent percentage of projectresearch area againststudies concerning the overall the area. groundwater Nevertheless, over-exploitation there will be subsequent status. Third, research the study studies area concerningin this thepaper groundwater is limited over-exploitation for the reasons status.surrounding Third, data the studycollection area and in this difficulties paper is associated limited for with the reasonsthe surroundingarrangements data of collection experiments, and but difficulties in the future, associated the authors with will the arrangementstry to conduct a of study experiments, on a wider but in thescale, future, such the as authors the North will China try toPlain, conduct using athe study same onevaluation a wider method. scale, such as the North China Plain, using the same evaluation method. 5. Conclusions 5. ConclusionsThis study involved collection of 58 years (1956–2013) of rainfall data from Cheng’an County for hydrologicalThis study frequency involved collectionanalysis, and of 58agricultural years (1956–2013) irrigation ofpower rainfall data data (2007–2015). from Cheng’an The P-W County curve for hydrologicalwas established frequency from the analysis, data of andthe three agricultural years closest irrigation to high, power normal, data and (2007–2015). low flow representative 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 groundwaterof the groundwater exploitation exploitation quantity of was the determined pre-treatment through baseline field year experiments, (2013) and the including post-treatment the various pressurebaseline water year extraction (2015) were projects converted and to non-project the quantities conditions. of groundwater Based exploitation on the P-W in curve, the normal the quantities flow of theyear. groundwater Finally, their differences exploitation were of compared the pre-treatment to determine baseline the quantities year (2013) of exploitation and the post-treatmentrestrictions baselineof the yearcomprehensive (2015) were treatment converted project to the for quantities groundwater of groundwaterover-exploitation exploitation in Cheng’an in County. the normal flow year. Finally,The results their differencesshow that the were quantity compared of exploited to determine groundwater the quantities in the project of exploitation area was restrictionsrestricted of theby comprehensive 11.6173 million treatment m3 between project 2013 forand groundwater 2015. Among over-exploitationthem, projects related in Cheng’anto conservation County. tillage andThe water results and showfertilizer that integration the quantity have ofhad exploited a higher completion groundwater rate in(>90%), the project while the area surface 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, Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2017, 14, 41 13 of 14 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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