Research on the Current Situation and Sustainable Development Measures for Urban–Rural Water Supply Integration in Yunnan Province, China

Abstract

Urban–Rural Water supply integration is one of the effective ways to address rural drinking water safety issues. With the rapid economic development and urbanization, the gap between urban and rural water supply has become increasingly evident, and rural areas face severe challenges such as insufficient water sources and substandard water quality. Yunnan Province, due to its unique topography and natural environment, encounters numerous difficulties in promoting the construction and development of urban–rural water supply integration, and there is a severe lack of research specifically focused on sustainable development measures for urban–rural water supply integration in Yunnan Province. In light of this, this paper first reviews the current research status on urban–rural water supply integration both domestically and internationally, pointing out that existing studies mainly focus on optimizing urban water supply systems, addressing rural drinking water safety issues, and exploring water supply management models. It then analyzes the challenges faced by Yunnan Province in advancing urban–rural water supply integration, including limitations in engineering construction, inadequate operation and maintenance, complex and variable water source conditions, and insufficient public awareness of water conservation. In response to these issues, a series of sustainable development measures are proposed, including revitalizing existing assets, enhancing construction planning and quality, promoting water pricing reforms, upgrading the technical system for drinking water safety assurance, and advancing the information technology construction of urban–rural water supply integration, with the aim of providing references and insights for the sustainable development of urban–rural water supply integration in Yunnan Province and other regions.

1. Introduction

Water is the source of life, an indispensable resource for human survival and development. It is also a necessity for the economic development of all countries. Therefore, the issue of drinking water safety is particularly important as it directly affects people’s health and safety [1]. Especially in rural areas, drinking water safety has become a focal point of international attention, facing more severe challenges in rural areas of underdeveloped countries [2,3]. Rural–urban water supply integration is one of the effective ways to address rural drinking water safety issues [4]. Rural–urban water supply integration, a concept put forward in relation to drinking water for rural residents, refers to the unification of water quality and pressure, service standards, and charging standards for production and drinking water for both rural and urban residents, ensuring that rural people’s demands for tap water align with those of urban residents [5]. However, according to data from United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund and the World Health Organization, by the end of 2017, the proportion of rural users achieving piped water (tap water) globally reached 40%, lower than the urban level (64%). Among them, the proportion of piped water in rural areas of developed countries exceeds 95%, revealing a significant gap between underdeveloped and developed countries. Currently, the tap water penetration rate in rural areas of developed countries has reached 90%, with 27 developed countries achieving 100%. It is clear that substantial efforts and developments are still needed to realize full rural–urban water supply integration.

China places great importance on the construction and sustainable development of urban–rural water supply integration. To this end, substantial investments have been made in this field to further improve and optimize rural water supply, ensuring that rural residents have access to safe drinking water. Yunnan Province, as an important province in southwest China, boasts rich and diverse water resources. However, as shown in Figure 1, the province’s terrain is complex, with numerous mountainous areas. Coupled with the historical characteristics of rural development and various factors related to economic growth, rural water supply in Yunnan Province faces severe challenges, which significantly restrict the sustainable development of rural–urban water supply integration. For example, the construction of large-scale hydropower dams has led to population migration and affected ecosystems [6]. An increase in water volume does not necessarily mean an improvement in water quality; stagnant water in reservoirs can lead to physical, chemical, and biological changes, and when dams release water, downstream areas may face serious water quality issues. This is particularly problematic for rural areas, which face a series of negative impacts, such as a higher risk of infectious diseases. Additionally, due to insufficient management capacity and lack of professionalism at the grassroots level in rural areas, numerous contradictions and issues arise in management, such as water wastage and leakage, which fail to achieve true urban–rural water supply integration. Yunnan’s complex and diverse climate and environment, along with its varied topography, increase the difficulty of constructing water supply infrastructure. The coverage of water pipelines is limited and vulnerable to geological disasters, and even after construction, effective operation and maintenance remain problematic. The distribution of water resources in Yunnan is uneven both temporally and spatially; some areas face water shortages during dry seasons, while others may experience water resource wastage. Therefore, there is an urgent need to break the drawbacks of traditional rural water supply methods through coordinated planning, optimized layout, and innovative management mechanisms. Measures such as extending urban water networks, facilitating inter-regional water supply, and raising rural water supply standards must be implemented to effectively improve rural water supply conditions and provide solid water resource support for meeting the people’s aspirations for a better life.

In summary, the construction of urban–rural water supply integration can effectively address rural drinking water safety issues and safeguard public health, making it a key project for future development. However, the numerous existing problems have severely restricted the sustainable and healthy development of urban–rural water supply integration, especially in Yunnan Province, which is characterized by high altitude and complex climate. This issue is particularly prominent and requires the urgent proposal of practical countermeasures and recommendations. This study first identifies the key issues facing urban–rural water supply integration in Yunnan Province through literature review and analysis of the province’s actual conditions. It then presents a series of sustainable development measures tailored to the current specific problems in Yunnan Province. This not only fills the research gap regarding sustainable development measures for urban–rural water supply integration in Yunnan Province but also provides references and insights for establishing development strategies in this area, which is of significant importance and value.

The structure of this paper is arranged as follows: Section 2 reviews the current research status of domestic and international scholars in the field of urban–rural water supply, providing a commentary on the findings; Section 3 discusses the challenges and issues faced in the development of urban–rural water supply integration in Yunnan Province; Section 4 proposes sustainable development suggestions and measures to address the aforementioned challenges; and Section 5 summarizes the content of this paper.

2. Overview of Domestic and International Research Status

2.1. Overview of Relevant Foreign Research Status

Although research on “water supply” abroad started relatively early, the vast majority of studies often analyze and research the status quo, management methods, and laws from the perspective of drinking water safety based on the national conditions or local characteristics of each country. Hoque B.A. [7] conducted research on drinking water safety issues in Bangladesh and suggested establishing a comprehensive drinking water management system that integrates water supply, quality, treatment, and related educational programs to ensure the safety of drinking water supply. The World Health Organization (WHO) [8] established a “Safe Drinking Water Framework”, which covers health-based target setting, risk assessment and management methods, as well as an independent monitoring system. Tadesse A. [9] studied rural water supply systems through the collection and analysis of quantitative and qualitative data in the Adama region of central Ethiopia. Abuzerr S. [10] conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study using a structured questionnaire to assess the knowledge, attitudes, practices, and satisfaction of the Gaza community regarding household drinking water safety. The results indicated that the majority of respondents had a high awareness and positive attitude toward household drinking water safety. However, due to the poor financial capacity of the Iraqi Water Resources Center in the Gaza Strip, it is strongly recommended that the center contact relevant international donors to support initiatives aimed at improving household water supply. Van Den Berg H. [11] significantly improved the safety of drinking water and the climate adaptability of the water supply system by implementing climate-adaptive drinking water safety planning and enhancing water quality monitoring in two major cities in Ethiopia. Pundir S. [12] conducted a risk assessment of rural–urban water supply and drinking water safety planning in the region of Himachal Pradesh, India. Cervantes A. [13] described and analyzed the drinking water management of six rural communities in the Chapala wetlands in Michoacán, Mexico, showcasing the capabilities and potential of these communities in self-management of water resources and effective management, providing evidence to support the legitimacy of local organizations and enhancing the normative framework of these organizations in water management. Kineman J.J. [14] reflected on key systems for decentralized drinking water management through a study of drinking water projects in Nauru City, Indonesia. De San Miguel S.R. [15] researched service improvements for drinking water management in the Iztapalapa district from the perspectives of managers and users, exploring which elements should be included in an integrated rural–urban water management model. Timotewos M.T. [16] employed a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies to evaluate available water resources and management technologies in three regions of Ethiopia to consider the sustainability of rural–urban water supply services, proposing a feasible sustainable rural–urban water management system plan.

Based on the above, foreign research has not conducted in-depth analyses and studies on the management models or measures for urban–rural water supply integration. The management models for drinking water in rural areas have been largely overlooked, and there is a lack of unified opinions and definitions on this topic.

2.2. Overview of Relevant Domestic Research Status

Based on the classification of existing domestic literature, it can be observed that the main focus is on the current status and existing problems of rural drinking water safety projects, as well as their management. Deng Xunfa [17], through field research on rural drinking water safety projects in the Wulong District of Chongqing, pointed out several issues, including a lack of key water source projects, insufficient water resource regulation capabilities, low water supply assurance rates, and inadequate water quality assurance. He emphasized that the maintenance and management of water supply projects are weak, and a sound operational mechanism has yet to be established. Hu Lijun [18] studied the main challenges faced by rural drinking water safety projects in the new era, which include serious water pollution, prominent drinking water safety issues, irregular management, insufficient research efforts, low construction standards impacting water supply assurance rates, outdated equipment in existing drinking water projects, unclear property rights, and inadequate attention to water quality testing and weak testing capabilities. Some scholars mainly focus on proposing measures and suggestions based on the analysis of regional water supply issues. For instance, Ao Airong [19] and Xu Guangchang [20] analyzed the water supply status and existing problems in Ganzhou City and Chongqing City, respectively, and provided corresponding measures and suggestions. In terms of research on the management of rural drinking water safety projects. Li Pengfei [21] noted that the main challenges in the operational management of these projects are concentrated in the construction process and the quality and safety of project management. Dong Qiuhua [22], Liu Kunpeng [23], and Huang Wenchao [24] analyzed the main problems existing in rural drinking water safety projects based on the current status of rural water supply nationwide and proposed suggestions for the long-term operational management mechanisms of these projects. Li Guiguang [25] also proposed recommendations for long-term management mechanisms in Huainan City. However, current research often focuses on specific case analyses and the identification of localized issues, lacking in-depth exploration and comprehensive evaluation of the overall system. Additionally, research on the management mechanisms of rural water supply projects has mainly concentrated on the drinking water safety stage (mostly projects implemented before 2015), with less focus on the post-construction consolidation and enhancement phase. Relevant studies have also failed to deeply summarize the actual water supply management experiences of various regions to refine them into management systems and mechanisms, thus unable to form a systematic theoretical framework or model to guide the practice and management of urban–rural water supply integration.

Although the construction tasks for rural drinking water safety projects have largely been completed, the post-construction management model is still evolving and remains a trend being explored in academic circles. Through literature review, several representative management models can be summarized, as shown in

Table 1. Post-construction management model for rural drinking water safety projects.

Proposer	Management Model
Xu Ling [26]	Enterprise management model, water supply association management model, village collective operation model, contracting and leasing operation model, auction property rights model, etc.
Zhou Qing [27]	Specialized management model for water supply institutions, collective management model, hierarchical management model, self-management model by villagers, etc.
Zhang Yulin [28]	Government and self-raised investment model, etc.
Zhang Cuiyan [29]	Water supply company management model, tap water group company management model, etc.
Fei Jiyong [30]	“Grid + Organization” model, “Enterprise + One Village One Water Manager” model, “One Matter One Discussion” model, “Company + Water Manager (Water User Association) + Water User Management” model, “Local Financial Subsidy Transition Mechanism + Villager Self-Management of Water” model, etc.
Ruan Mengdie [31]	Government-led model, public-private partnership model, self-organization model, non-profit model, etc.

.

Based on the aforementioned scholars’ research on post-construction management models, it can be seen that rural–urban water supply integration, as well as enterprise, scale, and professional management, are the trends for the future development of rural drinking water management models.

Relevant scholars have conducted research on urban–rural water supply integration in Yunnan, primarily focusing on analyzing the reform practices and challenges faced in specific regions. Hu Zhaobi [32] described the urban–rural water supply integration reform in Huize County, Yunnan Province, analyzing the water supply status and existing problems before the reform. He explained the main ideas, achievements, and practices of the reform, and proposed relevant suggestions. Similarly, Feng Wensen [33] and others explored the background, main practices, and difficulties of the urban–rural water supply integration reform in Huize County, providing reflections for further strengthening the integration of urban and rural water supply, which serves as a reference for water integration and water supply reform. The valuable experiences and lessons learned from the reforms in Huize County provide a model for the construction of urban–rural water supply integration in other regions. Liu Xinggang [34] focused on the construction of the urban–rural water supply plant in Huize County, analyzing its role in promoting the urban–rural water supply integration process. He proposed suggestions and explorations to continue advancing this process based on the existing problems. However, Cui Jianghong [35] broadened the perspective by addressing issues in rural water conservancy construction in Yunnan, such as regional development imbalances, unreasonable investment mechanisms and models, incomplete measures for comprehensive drought management, and insufficient self-management by farmers. He emphasized the water supply pressure brought about by urbanization, population growth, and the phenomenon of “hollow villages”. Cui suggested implementing a priority development strategy for water conservancy in impoverished and mountainous areas, improving the urban–rural integration water conservancy investment mechanism led by the government, establishing a drought governance mechanism, a water resource allocation and development mechanism, and a mechanism for farmer participation in water conservancy project management, as well as creating a special intervention system for water conservancy development in “hollow villages”. This provides direction for the formulation of urban–rural water supply integration policies and emphasizes the government’s leading role in water conservancy investment and drought management, which is significant for improving the overall framework.

In summary, in the research on measures for the sustainable development of urban–rural water supply integration, although the penetration rate of rural tap water in China has surpassed the global average and is at a leading level among developing countries, issues such as ununiform standards between urban and rural areas, insufficient project scale, and weak operation and maintenance persist compared to developed countries. Furthermore, research specifically focused on urban–rural water supply integration in Yunnan Province is extremely scarce, with only four relevant studies found. These studies mainly propose measures and suggestions for urban–rural water supply integration at specific locations based on policy formulation, but overall, they lack systematic and universal approaches and require further in-depth exploration and improvement. There are already some successful international cases, such as in certain Southeast Asian countries or regions in South America, where effective water supply management systems have been established. They have achieved coordinated development of urban and rural water supply through effective cooperation between the government and communities, clear investment mechanisms, and rational water resource allocation strategies. However, these experiences are not entirely applicable to Yunnan Province. Yunnan needs to develop a systematic framework that both aligns with local realities and promotes equitable water supply services, ensuring the sustainability of urban–rural water supply projects in the province while drawing on the policy frameworks of these successful regions.

3. Challenges in the Development of Rural–Urban Water Supply Integration in Yunnan Province

In light of the current situation in Yunnan Province, although there has been substantial improvement in urban-rural water supply integration and the capacity and level of water supply, numerous issues still exist due to complex geographical conditions and limited rural infrastructure. Therefore, this study conducts an in-depth analysis of the challenges faced by Yunnan Province in promoting urban–rural water supply integration, aiming to develop more targeted and effective countermeasures to ensure the coordinated development of the urban–rural water supply system and enhance the level of service.

3.1. Limitations in Engineering Construction

In the construction of urban–rural water supply projects, on one hand, the funding mechanism limits the investment, leading rural infrastructure development to overly rely on fiscal investments. This results in a single source of funding, small-scale urban water supply network extensions, weak growth in fixed asset investments in water conservancy, and difficulty in meeting the increasing water supply demand. On the other hand, many towns in Yunnan Province are located in mountainous areas, with rural villages scattered over a large distance, which increases the difficulty of centralized water supply and significantly affects the water supply assurance rate [36]. Additionally, due to limitations in construction and technological conditions, many regions have low quality standards for urban–rural water supply project construction, resulting in a very weak ability to withstand natural disasters, and the issue of water scarcity caused by project shortcomings has yet to be fundamentally resolved.

3.2. Insufficient Operation and Management Mechanisms

In the actual operation of urban–rural water supply projects, there is a widespread lack of management and maintenance, which restricts the long-term effective operation of water supply facilities. Although many water supply projects received government attention and funding support during the construction phase, there is a lack of corresponding operational management and maintenance funds after the projects are completed. This funding shortfall primarily arises from unreasonable pricing mechanisms for water supply; current water prices are generally too low and fail to reflect actual operational costs, resulting in inadequate financial support for management [37]. Additionally, the management personnel of water supply projects often lack sufficient technical skills, which affects their motivation and professionalism [28]. The pipeline routes are frequently located on mountain roads, with water sources situated far from centralized water supply pools; thus, maintenance personnel must inspect the pipelines on foot, making management difficult and resulting in low willingness to maintain. Moreover, the absence of a unified operational management standard leads to varying management methods in different areas, even complicating the implementation of operational management.

3.3. Complex and Variable Water Source Conditions

Due to diverse terrain and climate variations, the quality of water sources often experiences instability [38], especially during the rainy and dry seasons, when organic matter, suspended solids, and microorganisms may increase in the water [39]. This makes it challenging for conventional water treatment processes at water treatment plants to handle substandard water quality, often leading to difficulties in effectively removing harmful substances caused by water source pollution or inherent natural conditions during purification. Additionally, some urban and rural drinking water sources are relatively singular, without backup or emergency sources established. As a result, when unexpected incidents occur, such as natural disasters or water source pollution, it may lead to a lack of available water sources. This not only severely impacts residents’ drinking water supply but also threatens the normal operation of urban–rural water supply systems, further increasing management pressure and operational risks for water supply enterprises.

3.4. Insufficient Public Awareness

There is a low awareness of water conservation among the populace, particularly in rural areas, where both water scarcity and water wastage coexist. In terms of user comparison, urban residents are concentrated and show high acceptance of the payment model for water use, resulting in easier management and higher payment collection rates. In contrast, rural residents prefer to draw water from natural sources like springs or wells, leading to widespread individual water sourcing practices, which complicate management and result in lower payment collection rates. Furthermore, most people lack awareness of the broader context of water scarcity and do not fully understand the importance of water fee collection, often believing that how they use water after payment is a personal decision. This perception, to some extent, encourages water wastage.

3.5. Lack of Systematic Measures for Sustainable Development of Rural–Urban Water Supply Integration in Yunnan Province

Systematic and comprehensive measures for the sustainable development of rural–urban water supply integration in Yunnan can provide valuable insights and guidance for the development of this integration. However, research in this area is severely lacking, and even the few existing studies propose measures or suggestions that are specific to certain locations. While these may be applicable in those specific areas, they may not be suitable for the overall context of the province. When problems arise during the development process, it becomes difficult to implement corresponding measures to address these issues, thereby affecting or even hindering the sustainable development of rural–urban water supply integration. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a systematic, complete, comprehensive, and reasonable set of measures for the sustainable development of rural–urban water supply integration in Yunnan.

4. Sustainable Development Measures

To address the challenges faced in the process of urban–rural water supply integration in Yunnan Province, this study proposes a series of sustainable development measures aimed at ensuring that urban–rural water supply integration can effectively and sustainably resolve rural drinking water safety issues, enhance water supply standards, reduce the urban–rural gap, and promote comprehensive, coordinated, and sustainable socio-economic development in rural areas.

4.1. Revitalizing Existing Assets

Activating existing assets is a core method in the sustainable development measures of urban–rural water supply integration, aimed at integrating and optimizing existing water supply resources and facilities. Due to various influencing factors, water supply enterprises generally have not established comprehensive management systems for facilities and financial resources. When companies replace or optimize resources, many facilities often suffer from inadequate management. Therefore, in Yunnan Province, to effectively activate urban–rural water supply assets, several measures can be taken. First, a comprehensive inventory and evaluation of assets should be conducted. This involves a thorough examination of all fixed assets related to urban–rural water supply in the province, such as water plants, pump stations, and pipelines, to gather detailed information on the quantity, distribution, utilization status, and maintenance conditions, creating a detailed asset ledger. At the same time, it is advisable to engage professional institutions to conduct value assessments, considering factors such as existing value, potential value, useful life, and maintenance costs, to determine a reasonable value range. Second, promote asset integration and optimized allocation, such as breaking through administrative barriers to integrate assets within the region, merging the operations of smaller, dispersed water plants to improve water supply efficiency and service quality. Additionally, explore collaborative operations with other related industries to achieve resource sharing. Lastly, innovating asset operation models is also crucial. This could involve introducing social capital, employing models such as PPP (Public-Private Partnership) and BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer), or promoting asset securitization to realize future returns in advance, improving asset liquidity and market value. These measures can fully explore the potential of existing water supply assets, improve asset utilization efficiency, promote the optimal allocation of resources, and ultimately achieve sustainable use of water resources.

4.2. Strengthening Construction Planning and Quality

Given the unique geographical conditions of the mountainous areas in Yunnan, the following measures are recommended to enhance the accessibility and efficiency of rural water supply. In planning the layout of the water supply network, Geographic Information System (GIS) technology can be utilized for detailed analysis of local terrain, water sources, population distribution, and water demand to identify the optimal pipeline routes, thereby reducing construction difficulty and water loss. Considering the clear wet and dry seasons in Yunnan, with scarce rainfall from January to May leading to water shortages primarily reliant on mountain spring water for ensuring drinking safety, it is suggested to promote a mixed water supply approach as illustrated in Figure 2 [36], termed “Centralized Water Supply + Water Cistern Storage”. During flood season, centralized water supply can utilize mountain spring water while excess can be stored in cisterns or reservoirs. Conversely, during the dry season, when mountain spring water availability decreases or depletes, the cisterns (reservoirs) will supplement water needs. In areas with significant elevation differences, a tiered water supply model can be designed. This involves constructing segmented reservoirs and providing water in phases, converting a large supply reservoir’s centralized supply into a two-level or three-level tiered supply as shown in Figure 3 [36]. This approach will more effectively ensure safe water use in rural mountainous areas. To address the issue of vulnerability in already constructed projects, it is recommended to install pressure-regulating valves, slow-closing butterfly valves, and air valves to protect the pipeline network and prevent negative pressure and water hammer pressure from affecting the system. Additionally, research and development of construction techniques should be strengthened, focusing on new pipeline materials and construction practices that are corrosion-resistant and pressure-resistant, enhancing the safety and durability of water supply facilities. During construction, high standards for construction specifications and supervision mechanisms should be established to ensure that every aspect meets quality requirements.

4.3. Advancing Water Price Reform

The construction of a water-saving society requires the establishment of a reasonable water pricing system to clarify water resource usage rights, protect the rights of various regions to access water, and ensure measurable water consumption for users [40]. However, traditional water supply systems generally face high operating costs and inefficiency, particularly in rural areas. Due to decentralized water supply and infra-structure, resources are often wasted, and difficulties in water meter installation and fee collection lead to inadequate water revenue, making it challenging to sustain operations and maintenance. Therefore, establishing a reasonable water pricing system for urban–rural water supply integration is key to the sustainable development of water resources [41]. This system needs to reflect market supply and demand conditions and resource scarcity. Promoting water price reform should involve scientifically calculating water supply costs and establishing a tiered pricing system. Considering the specific circumstances in Yunnan Province, it is important to distinguish between residential water use and non-residential use, as well as special water use types. For areas with low water supply utilization rates, a two-part tariff system should be implemented to ensure that fixed fees can meet basic operational and maintenance needs. Furthermore, in regions with low water meter installation rates and suboptimal fee collection, the improvement of metering facilities should be accelerated. Additionally, modern intelligent methods should be fully utilized, such as incorporating convenient payment options like WeChat and Alipay to enhance water fee payment efficiency. Collected water fees from rural water supply projects should be stored in dedicated village or town accounts based on actual situations and according to laws and regulations, ensuring proper and transparent use of these funds while publicly disclosing water fee income and expenditure to accept supervision from the public and various levels of oversight. Although the initial investment may be high, increased water resource utilization efficiency and reduced long-term operating costs will yield significant financial viability and potential return on investment, providing a practical path toward building a water-saving society.

4.4. Upgrading the Drinking Water Safety Assurance Technology System

In response to the water quality challenges in Yunnan, upgrading the drinking water safety assurance technology system is particularly critical [39]. First, a modern evaluation index system for drinking water should be established to accurately identify and assess risks from emerging contaminants in water sources [42,43], such as endocrine-disrupting contaminants (EDCs), pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), and microplastics. Second, green and efficient water purification technologies should be developed [44], such as advanced oxidation processes, modified activated carbon adsorption, and new membrane technologies to achieve precise control of high-risk pollutants. Moreover, interdisciplinary integration should be strengthened by incorporating cutting-edge technologies such as modern biotechnology, new materials, and artificial intelligence into water purification processes to enhance purification efficiency and reduce energy consumption. Finally, for capable urban areas, smart water supply systems should be constructed using technologies like the Internet of Things, big data, and cloud computing to enable real-time monitoring and intelligent management of the entire water supply process, ensuring that the water supply system is scientific, refined, and intelligent, thereby comprehensively enhancing the sustainable development capacity of integrated urban and rural water supply.

4.5. Strengthening Publicity on Drinking Water Safety

In rural areas, the lack of awareness regarding water resource protection has led to a coexistence of wastage and shortages, making it particularly important to introduce public participation activities and community-driven water management initiatives [45,46]. Local governments and water administration departments can organize regular publicity campaigns, utilizing informative lectures, training sessions, and practical demonstrations to educate villagers about water conservation and resource protection, helping them comprehend the importance and scarcity of water. These activities can be combined with traditional festivals or community gatherings, leveraging local customs to increase participation appeal. Furthermore, establishing community water management groups encourages residents to engage in daily water source monitoring and management. These groups can recruit volunteers, delineate responsibilities, and hold each member accountable for the water resource usage in specific areas. Regular meetings can be held to assess water usage conditions, share water-saving experiences, and foster a sense of responsibility and belonging among residents regarding water resource management. Additionally, community competitions, such as selecting the “Best Water-Saving Household”, can incentivize villagers to compete in achieving water conservation results, boosting participation and creating a positive atmosphere. Finally, a reward and punishment mechanism should be established; households and communities that actively participate in water-saving activities could receive benefits such as reduced water fees or new conservation equipment, while appropriate penalties should be imposed for water-wasting behaviors, encouraging villagers to consciously adopt water-saving practices.

4.6. Enhancing Informatization of Urban–Rural Water Supply Integration

To meet the demands of the current information era and better learn from the successful experiences of developed countries in modern urban–rural water supply operations, continuously strengthening the information technology development for urban–rural water supply integration has become an essential path. In recent years, “digital twin” technology has gained significant attention in the water resources sector due to its advantages in data perception and digital integration [47,48], particularly in the rural water supply field, where it can significantly enhance the construction and operational management capabilities of rural water supply systems, promoting their high-quality development.

For Yunnan Province, providing safe and clean drinking water to urban and rural residents and ensuring the continuous operation of urban–rural water supply integration equipment 24 h a day is the focus of its work. Therefore, achieving the information technology development for urban–rural water supply integration, advancing the implementation of digital twin rural water supply projects, and continuously promoting the construction of automated monitoring systems for large-scale water supply projects have become urgent tasks. In regions with the necessary conditions, pilot projects should be actively launched for comprehensive sensing, real-time transmission, data analysis, and intelligent application system construction, aiming to create a digital twin water supply system as shown in Figure 4. Specifically, by deploying smart water meters to monitor water usage in real-time and transmitting the data back to the water supply management platform, remote monitoring and management can be achieved. At the same time, a real-time water quality monitoring system should be established, utilizing sensor technology to comprehensively monitor the quality of water sources, enabling timely detection and resolution of water quality issues. Additionally, through a data analysis platform, big data technology and artificial intelligence algorithms can be employed to conduct in-depth analysis and forecasting of water supply data, thereby improving the efficiency of water supply scheduling. For example, Hubei Province has significantly reduced water leakage losses and enhanced the safety and reliability of its water supply through a comprehensive water supply management system built using digital twin technology [49]. Similarly, Liaoning Province has optimized its rural water supply project layout, improved water quality, and implemented specialized management through the construction of digital twin rural water supply projects, thereby enhancing the level of water supply security in the province [50]. Therefore, actively promoting the implementation of these technologies will help form a dynamic information management system for tap water “from source to tap”, achieving optimized resource allocation and efficient utilization, which will effectively improve the management level and operational efficiency of water supply projects.

5. Conclusions and Outlook

This paper conducted an in-depth study of the measures for the sustainable development of urban–rural water supply integration in Yunnan Province, aiming to address rural drinking water safety issues, enhance water supply service levels, and achieve equitable urban–rural water supply services. The research first outlined the current state of urban–rural water supply integration studies both domestically and internationally, clarifying that existing research mainly focuses on urban water supply system optimization, rural drinking water safety issues, and water supply management models. Given Yunnan’s unique natural geographical conditions and development challenges, this paper analyzed issues such as construction restrictions, insufficient operation and maintenance of projects, complex and variable water source conditions, and the lack of water-saving awareness among the public. A series of sustainable development measures were proposed.

In terms of activating existing assets, government departments (such as the Water Resources Bureau and environmental protection agencies) should collaborate with specialized assessment institutions to conduct a comprehensive inventory and evaluation of urban–rural water supply assets in Yunnan Province. To address construction limitations, the construction departments can employ GIS technology to determine the layout of water supply pipelines and promote designs for “mixed supply” and “graded supply”. Regarding water pricing, water supply enterprises should scientifically calculate water supply costs, establish a zoned and classified pricing system, and promote a two-part tariff structure along with smart payment methods. Concerning water quality, water management departments should establish a modern drinking water assessment indicator system and develop green and efficient water purification technologies to accurately identify and control emerging pollutants. Furthermore, government departments should enhance public participation activities and community-driven water management initiatives, actively promote the informatization of urban–rural water supply integration, and they should create a digital twin water supply system. These measures cover multiple aspects such as project management, funding guarantees, technical support, and public participation, forming a comprehensive long-term operational mechanism aimed at achieving the sustainability of urban–rural water supply, ensuring that rural areas have stable and safe drinking water in the long term, improving water supply efficiency and quality, reducing operational costs, and promoting the sustainable use of water resources.

Currently, there has been no research found regarding a systematic framework for the sustainable development of urban–rural water supply integration in Yunnan Province. Therefore, this study not only fills the gap in this field but also clearly identifies the differences in management models and technological applications between urban and rural water supply systems. It emphasizes the importance of government and public involvement in water management, as well as the need for the development of new technologies. The findings of this research provide valuable experience and models for similar urban–rural water supply integration in other regions, and they serve as a reference for the formulation of relevant policies.

As we look to the future, in the face of ongoing population growth and continuous technological innovation, water supply systems will need to increase supply capacity through infrastructure expansion and upgrades while adopting advanced water resource management strategies such as demand-side management, water resource reuse, and recycling to reduce waste and enhance efficiency. In terms of technology, especially with the application of digital twin and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, water supply systems will become more intelligent and automated, improving system response times and operational efficiency. By integrating real-time monitoring, predictive analysis, and automated control, water supply systems will more effectively respond to emergencies, optimize resource allocation, and provide higher-quality drinking water. Moreover, continued technological innovation and investment in research and development will drive the development of new materials, treatment technologies, and more energy-efficient equipment, further enhancing the sustainability of the system and ensuring the long-term stable operation of water supply systems in the future.