2.2. IWRM implementation process
Water resources allocation is at the core of the IWRM reform in
Minqin. The county government formulates and implements water
resources allocation planning on an annual basis (Fig. 2). Surface
water and groundwater volumes for irrigation use are quantified in
the annual plan based on the fixed amount of available water.
Subsequently, water rights are assigned to the township governments
where water resources management offices are located.
These offices reallocate water to WUAs in the administrative villages.
Water management stations, established in differen irrigation districts, supervise and monitor the implementation
processes using automatic metering equipment (on wells) and
irrigation water licensing systems (e.g., water ticket management)