A high-resolution multi-scale industrial water use dataset in China

Abstract

Abstract Water is crucial for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 6. As a major source of water use and pollution, industrial sector requires improved water management based on more systematic and refined analysis. Such analysis, however, is compromised by the accuracy, granularity, and coverage of industrial water data. Here we present an open dataset of China’s industrial water use, compiled from 1,480,265 plant-level reports. This high-resolution multi-scale dataset offers unparalleled details, supporting multi-scale analysis at the province, city, and county levels, and across 2-digit, 3-digit, and 4-digit industrial classifications. It provides comprehensive information on water use, recycling, pollution, and wastewater processing. Such data enables further macro- and micro-level analysis, including multi-regional input-output analysis, structural decomposition analysis, statistical analysis, machine learning, as well as many other advanced analytical methods. This dataset can equip researchers and policymakers with a valuable tool to advance sustainable water management, fostering alignment with global sustainability goals.