Safe exploitation of karst water source and collapse monitoring in the Guangdong−Hong Kong−Macao Greater Bay Area

This paper is the result of hydrogeological survey engineering.

Objective Currently, the water supply−demand situation in the Guangdong−Hong Kong−Macao Greater Bay Area has become increasingly tense. The water supply is mainly dominated by surface water, which presents a single−type water supply. Nevertheless, as a high−quality emergency water source, the groundwater source, especially the karst groundwater source, is also very important. But the karst water source often confronts the risk of karst collapse. Therefore, it is imperative to conduct relevant research on water use safety.

Methods Based on the investigation of hydrogeological and engineering geological conditions, the types, distribution and water-rich characteristics of aquifers in the Guangdong−Hong Kong−Macao Greater Bay Area were analyzed, karst water sources were delineated, karst collapse susceptibility assessment was carried out, and the process of karst water safe exploitation was sorted out with the goal of controlling the risk of karst ground collapse.

Results According to the concept of safe exploitation of karst water and the occurrence mechanism of karst collapse, the multi-index monitoring and early warning process was established, the safe exploitation measures of karst water source were proposed, and the critical early warning threshold of karst collapse was discussed.

Conclusion Karst water source is a high−quality emergency water source in the Guangdong−Hong Kong−Macao Greater Bay Area, which can provide safe water supply in the Pearl River Delta and Hong Kong and Macao under reasonable and safe mining methods.