Abstract: To provide basis for the sustainable utilization of water resources in Tianmen city, we employ entropy method and principal component analysis to evaluate the carrying capacity of water resources in Tianmen during 2010-2014. A simplified system of indicators selected by using principal component analysis can be more fully representative of Tianmen’s water resources carrying capacity. Results show that the carrying capacity of water resources in Tianmen is mainly affected by surface water resources quantity, water consumption and living standards. Despite the fact that the carrying capacity is improving continuously, an effective way of dealing with water shortage in dry season is in lack with drought as the major natural disaster in Tianmen. On this basis, we further evaluate the adaptability of carrying capacity, and conclude that the carrying capacity of water resources in Tianmen is slightly unsuitable or in equilibrium state.

Key words: Tianmen City, water resources carrying capacity, principal component analysis, entropy method, adaptability