The researchers studied how water resources are managed in central China's Hanjiang River basin, part of the South-North Water Transfer Project. They looked at the challenges like water scarcity and uneven distribution facing the region due to economic growth. The study aimed to balance the water needs of different sectors like industry, agriculture, and the environment. By analyzing the water balance, they found that transferring water for the project from the Danjiangkou Reservoir can impact the local water availability, potentially creating conflicts. The research highlighted the need for sustainable water use planning to address these challenges and ensure a fair allocation of water resources.