An Analysis of the Existing Policy Issues on Water Resources Allocation in the Yellow River Basin of China

Water shortage is a critical problem in the Yellow River Basin (YRB) of China. A serial of water allocation policy reforms on the Yellow River have been taken in the lasted 2 decades. However, because of the existing operation institute of water allocation and social problems resulted from historic reasons, the water usage efficiency is too low to impact the sustainable development within the YRB. 4 main factor son the manage problems-low water productivity, low water pricing, ineffective operation institution and lack of consciousness for water law, are pointed out in this paper, and the corresponding measures are given. At last, emergency policy measures in the existing state are also proposed.