Analysis on driving forces of water demand based on theory of water demand field

The goal of this study is to better describe the spatial interaction that general water demand cannot reflect. Using water resource demand field, this paper analyzes the spatial characteristics of water resources demand and discusses the driving factors of water demand by combining the socioeconomic potential energy and water resource demand field. By calculating and analyzing the socioeconomic data of Guangdong Province in 2014, it was found that:① The water field intensity in Guangdong Province decreases from the Pearl River Delta region to the surrounding area. The direction of the field intensity around the center of each city is directed towards the city center. ② The superposition of the water field will change the size and direction of the city's field intensity. ③ The correlation coefficient between socioeconomic potential and water resource is 0.924. This result confirms socioeconomic status is the main driving force in the demand of water resources. With socioeconomic potential energy being the prime mover, water resources flow to developed areas and city centers. This result can assist in providing basic support for water demand prediction and management.