Karst Groundwater Resource and Advantages of its Utilization in the Shaanbei Energy Base in Shaanxi Province, China

The Shaanbei Energy Base is in northern Shaanxi Province, China. It encompasses the Maowusu Desert and the Shaanbei Loess Plateau. The base is rich in coal and other minerals such as petroleum, natural gas and salt, all of which favor economic development. Water resources are relatively scarce because the area is in arid and semi-arid climatic zones. The limited availability of water constrains economic development. In order to overcome the water-shortage problem, a hydrogeological investigation was conducted. A karst groundwater system was discovered under the eastern side of the base. The water yield from this aquifer was estimated to be approximately 12–17m³/s, and the water quality meets the national drinking water standards. However, whether this valuable water resource should be used for economic development is currently a question in debate. Compared with other water sources in the area, such as mine drainage and surface water in the Yellow River, the karst groundwater has distinct advantages in both quantity and quality. Based on analysis of the hydrogeological conditions of the karst groundwater system, the authors proposed an optimal utilization scheme in which the karst water is used to serve the local economy while the karst system is managed to prevent any adverse impacts from occurring.