Progress and regional differences in river and lake health assessment in China

SHAO Weiwei; CHEN Yujia; WU Haibing; YU Rongkang; MA Fangfang

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1000-1123.2026.04.004

Abstract：River and lake health assessment constitutes an important component of river and lake management.The indicator system for river and lake health assessment,when deeply integrated with the tasks of the river and lake chief system,provides a crucial foundation for understanding river health status,identifying problems in rivers and lakes,and proposing corresponding governance measures.It serves as a significant reference for river and lake chiefs at all levels in carrying out river and lake protection and governance.Based on a review of the research progress and policy development history of river and lake health assessment,this study summarizes the characteristics and regional differences of river and lake health assessment across different regions in China.It analyzes the current shortcomings in the implementation process of river and lake health assessment in China and proposes corresponding measures and recommendations.Through a systematic investigation of the current status of river and lake health assessment in various regions of China,the study examines the types of indicators,the basis for weight determination,and their application.It identifies the consistency and particularity of indicator settings across different regions and analyzes the regional differences in river and lake health assessment indicator systems.Recommendations for improving the indicator system are proposed,including constructing a differentiated indicator system,establishing a dynamic weight adjustment mechanism based on governance needs,developing an intelligent monitoring system for river and lake health assessment,and establishing and improving cross-regional collaborative assessment mechanisms.These aim to achieve the comprehensive goals of rivers and lakes being"safe,healthy,beautiful,culturally significant,and development-supporting",and to provide a reference for the ecological protection and sustainable development of rivers and lakes in China.