Water Management Method (河渠治理法)

This method outlines procedures for managing water resources, including irrigation and flood control.

Historical Foundation

Based on Yu's flood control methods: 禹抑洪水十三年，过家不入门

Core Principles

• 疏导优于堵塞
• 因地制宜
• 综合利用

Flood Control Procedures

Step 1: Survey and Planning

• Map the river course from source to sea
• Identify flood-prone areas
• Determine natural drainage patterns

Step 2: Channel Management

• 疏浚河道
• 分流泄洪
• 筑堤防护

Step 3: Emergency Response

When floods occur:

1. Assess breach location and severity
2. Mobilize workers and materials
3. Use appropriate materials:
   • 薪柴
   • 竹木
   • 石块
4. Implement temporary diversions while repairing

Irrigation Project Development

Step 1: Site Selection

• Choose land with water source access
• Assess soil quality (avoid saline land without treatment)
• Calculate gradient for gravity flow

Step 2: Canal Construction

• Main canal from water source
• Distribution network to fields
• Control structures for flow management

Step 3: Maintenance

• Regular dredging
• Embankment repair
• Seasonal adjustments

Case Study: Zheng Guo Canal

• Length: 300+ 里
• Irrigated: 40,000+ 顷
• Result: 关中为沃野，无凶年

Expected Outcomes

• Increased agricultural productivity
• Flood damage reduction
• Economic development

Validation

1. Confirm the survey covers the full river course from source to sea with flood-prone areas and natural drainage patterns identified
2. Verify that the channeling principle (疏导优于堵塞) is followed — diversion and dredging are preferred over damming alone
3. Check that maintenance schedules are established for regular dredging, embankment repair, and seasonal adjustments