Hydro-monitoring data showed that the average water level fluctuated between 19~21m (Huanghai Elevation
System, HES), while the original design criteria is 21m. Our GIS simulation analysis for submerging analysis
indicated that the restoration water level of main part of Hengshui Lake would be appropriate to be set at 21m
considering the constraints of socioeconomic loss (e.g. loss of cultivated landuse, immigration etc) in comparison
with its lower level at 19m, therefore, three scenarios of wetland restoration can be elaborated following:
Wetland Restoration Scenario (WRS): Addressing wetland restoration instead of habitat alteration. Both the
eastern and western parts of lake would be restored to 21m at water level, lakeshore within 19.5~21m would be
seasonally submerged by water level control to enhance its ecological functioning.
Habitat Alteration Scenario (HAS): Focusing on habitat alteration instead of wetland restoration. The water
level of eastern(main) parts of lake would be raised to 21m, maintaining fluctuating lakeshore between 19.5~21m,
intervened with habitat management approaches; the western part and north part to Fuyang cannel would be restored
mainly through the measures of habitat modifications.
Restoration and Alteration Scenario (RAS): Paying equal attention to habitat alteration and wetland
restoration. The water level of eastern part would be controlled at 21m, while keeping hydro-fluctuations between
19.5~21m; other parts would remain intact.