The researchers used a method called water ecological footprint to study water resources in Tuhai River Basin. They found that agricultural water use was a major factor affecting water sustainability, with most of it used for farmland irrigation. The overall water resources carrying capacity in the basin decreased due to natural factors like hydrology and weather. The study showed that the current water use pattern in the area is unsustainable, and suggested developing well irrigation at the head of Yellow River Irrigation Area and using Yellow River water for irrigation, along with water-saving measures, to improve water resource utilization in the basin.