Study on the measurement and prediction of the ecological structure for water efficiency in China: from the perspective of “production-living-ecological” function

Countries are experiencing rapid social development under globalization, and it is a challenge to increase water efficiency and improve the ecological environment. This paper investigates the spatial and temporal changes of water efficiency in production-living-ecological function, which can help to improve the ecological environment and realize sustainable development. In this paper, Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) is used to select evaluation indicators. The spatial directional distribution was analyzed using Standard Deviation Ellipse (SDE). The trend of spatial directional distribution was explored by choosing BP neural network model. The results show that: (1) There is a “stock-flow” link in the ecological structure of water resources. (2) The overall water efficiency of the production-living-ecological function indicates an oversupply. The main form is the exchange between ecological and production function. (3) Projections show that water used decreases from northeast to southwest and water efficiency increases from northeast to southwest. The production function occupies a large amount of water use. This paper establishes the theoretical framework of ecological structure of water efficiency and excavates the complex relationship and changing characteristics of production-life-ecological function and water efficiency. It provides a new perspective for the sustainable development of global water resources.