Development of a Water Environment Management Model for Industrial Parks of the Yellow River Basin: A Case Study of Baotou

Water environment management in industrial parks within river basins faces dual pressures from advancing industrialization and the protection of basin ecological environments, necessitating a shift from traditional management models toward more efficient, intelligent, and risk-coordinated approaches. Industrial parks in the Yellow River Basin contribute over 60% of the region’s economic output, yet they commonly suffer from low water use efficiency, low wastewater recycling rates, and high water environment risks, creating a structural contradiction between economic growth and ecological protection. To address this challenge, this study systematically reviews domestic and international practices, identifies development trends, and constructs a theoretical model for industrial park water environment management based on the “Three Waters and One Risk” (water use, pollution control, recycling, and risk prevention) framework, driven by organizational and technical management with smart empowerment as an integrative link. This forms a closed-loop feedback mechanism aimed at the synergistic goals of water conservation, pollution reduction, carbon reduction, and risk mitigation. Unlike existing studies that tend to focus on a single dimension, the model adopts a dual “park-basin” perspective. Furthermore, in contrast to purely theoretical models or single-park case studies, this study conducts an empirical analysis of the Baotou Industrial Park in the Yellow River Basin. It identifies key problems in management systems, policy instruments, and technical pathways, and proposes integrated, context-specific solutions covering organizational optimization, policy improvement, and technical systems for water conservation, treatment, and reuse. The model’s validity is examined through field data validation and comparative validation against the park’s existing management practices, confirming its accuracy in capturing actual conditions and its practical applicability. In conclusion, this study provides both theoretical references and practical guidance for enhancing integrated water environment governance in industrial parks within river basins, with the Baotou case offering a transferable framework for similar parks across the Yellow River Basin. Future research should further validate and refine the model through comparative studies across multiple parks and diverse policy contexts.