On June 19, 2023, Environmental Research Communications published the team’s study, “The benefits of the water diversion on a densely populated fragmented lake area — A remote sensing view.” Starting from changes in Baiyangdian’s water levels and area, the study examined how ecological water diversion affects fragmented lakes in densely populated areas, using Baiyangdian as a representative example.

Ecological water replenishment is an effective way to restore and protect local ecosystems and alleviate water shortages. Baiyangdian is the core water system of Xiong’an New Area, with a fragmented lake structure and a densely populated surrounding area. In recent years, particularly since the establishment of Xiong’an New Area, local authorities have substantially increased ecological water replenishment. Understanding how this affects Baiyangdian’s water resources and ecology is important for future policy and lake conservation. Existing studies, however, had not clearly explained its impacts on fragmented lakes in densely populated areas.

To address this question, the team first used remote sensing data from the ICESat satellite series, Sentinel-2A, and global 30 m surface-water products to reconstruct lake water levels and areas for 2003–2009 and 2018–2022. They then combined ERA5-Land data with ecological water replenishment records since 1980 to identify the main factors affecting lake water storage and explain the ecological benefits of replenishment. Finally, regional economic data were used to analyze relationships between socioeconomic development and lake ecosystem health.

Mean annual water replenishment increased substantially, from 91 million m³ in 2004–2009 to 717 million m³ in 2018–2022. Fragmented lakes in densely populated areas, such as Baiyangdian, are influenced by both natural and human factors, with human factors playing the dominant role. Ecological replenishment raised Baiyangdian’s water level from a dry state to a healthy level, with stronger effects in its western and northern parts. As diversion increased, within-year water-level fluctuations decreased and water resources became more stable, supporting ecosystem recovery. Replenishment also improved connectivity between lake sections; together with dredging and channel-clearance projects, this increased ecological stability.

The study further showed that designing suitable diversion schemes for the specific conditions of each lake is a practical strategy for improving lake and surrounding ecosystems. Active human intervention can make interannual and seasonal water levels more sufficient and stable, improve storage capacity and resilience, and ultimately improve ecological conditions. This positive cycle benefits both lake ecosystems and human society. The study provides theoretical support for managing Baiyangdian and other lakes in densely populated areas, as well as a reference for ecological conservation in Xiong’an New Area.