Study on Harnessing Strategy of Brackish Water in the Malian River

Located in the inland arid regions of northwest China, Malian River Basin suffers an intensive conflict of supply and demand of water resources. And it encounters an even worse situation because of its brackish water which affects the utilization of the water. The feasibility of desalination of the brackish water is analyzed and then a new harnessing strategy is proposed, based on a longtime monitoring of the water quality of the river as well as a reference to previous treatment schemes. Firstly, the brackish water in non-flood period is supposed to be intercepted by the regulation and storage engineering, second, the brackish water will be desalted, and last, the concentrated water will be disposed in an effective, environment-friendly method. Factors of resources, technology, economy and safety have been taken into account in the new strategy. In this way, the brackish water of upstream could be treated, and the middle and lower reach could be used more efficiently. Analysis of the potential of the new harnessing strategy promises an ultimate solution to the brackish water problem of Malian river, and consequently a good utilization rate of the river basin.