Exploration of Mineral Water Resources in City Clusters Along the Middle Reaches of the Yangtze and Discoveries ― A Case Study of the Dataset of the Hydrogeological Survey in the 1∶50 000 Tingsiqiao Map-sheet, Xianning City

The city clusters along the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, which connect the western parts with the eastern parts and the southern parts with the northern parts of China, play an important role in the balanced and harmonious development of the economy in China. The discovery of mineral water resources in Xianning City will contribute to the development of a green economy. Relying on the project initiated by China Geological Survey with the title Comprehensive Geological Environmental Survey of the Tingsiqiao Map-sheet in the Wuhan Metropolitan Area Along the Beijing-Guangzhou High-speed Railway, the dataset of the Tingsiqiao Map-sheet (also referred to as the Dataset) was developed through the hydrogeological survey in the Tingsiqiao Map-sheet, on a scale of 1∶50 000, as well as a full collection of existing geological survey data, remote sensing, geophysical prospecting and a hydrogeological survey. It consists of basic information on boreholes (12 boreholes), descriptions of strata revealed by boreholes (12 boreholes), results from the survey points of pumping/domestic wells (77 pumping/domestic wells), spring points survey results (46 spring points), dynamic monitoring information of groundwater (2 places) and test results from inorganic water samples (61 samples) and organic water samples (9 samples); with a data size of about 4.77 MB. From this dataset, the typical hydrogeological phenomena, the development features of karst in limestone strata and the hydrochemical features of karst groundwater obtained from the hydrogeological survey were fully reflected. According to hydrochemical analysis, Sr-rich potable natural mineral water is discovered along Baiyangfan, Tingsiqiao Town, Xianning City – Daguifan, Guantangyi Town, Chibi City – Zhonghuopu Town and Chibi City. Sr-rich and Zn-rich composite potable natural mineral water is also discovered in the Langqiao area, Zhonghuopu Town and Chibi City, providing important references for the exploration of mineral water resources in the area. Exploration-production wells were drilled with an aim to meet the local demand for water.