Ningxia has fully implemented the “Four Water-based Controls” as a major reform initiative

achieving substantial practical results. This paper combines the characteristics of water resources in Ningxia with practical work to analyze the multidimensional attributes of water

including its natural

resource

social

economic

ecological

environmental

disaster

and cultural aspects. It elaborates on the four core meanings of the term “principles” in the “Four Water-based Controls”

which include rigid constraints

systematic planning

dynamic coordination

and proactive adaptation. This paper also deconstructs the coupling relationships between water

cities

people

land

and production. It analyzes the connotation of the “Four Water-based Controls”

summarizing key characteristics such as ecological priority

water measurementbased management

green development

institutional-driven policies

and technological empowerment. Furthermore

this paper proposes a basic framework for the “Four Water-based Controls”

which includes clearly defining water accounts

optimizing supply and demand

bidirectional iteration

and achieving intensive and efficient resource use. It also outlines future practical measures for the “Four Water-based Controls” in Ningxia. By organizing the conceptual system of the “Four Water-based Controls”

this paper aims to provide a theoretical foundation for summarizing practical experiences

fostering a shared understanding

exploring future development models

and facilitating the broader implementation of the principles from pilot areas to the entire region.