| In 1987, the term "sustainable development" first appeared in the report Our Common Future published by World Commission on Environment and Development after three years of study. The term "sustainable development" is defined as "development in either satisfying the needs of people at present time or without jeopardizing the needs of future generations".Water is the source of life. Water resources play a fundamental role in natural resources and have been an important part in human living environment. At the same time, water resources become the strategic economic resources and an organic part in a country's comprehensive capabilities. Water is the foundation in sustainable economic development and therefore, the whole world is concerned with water crisis. In 1980's, the UN Conference in Water Resources warned the world that global economic and social development will be restricted because of lacking of water and water would soon become a profound crisis. Under such circumstances, the study of strategies in water resources to satisfy the needs of present population without jeopardizing the needs of future generations is of great significance.The article is divided into five chapters. Based on the theories of sustainable development, ecology, economics, the study of water resources and the science of systems, the article researches in the sustainable development by considering water resources as a system and analyzes in detail the present conditions and the causes of some major problems in present China. Considering the experience in other countries the article also proposes some countermeasures in coping with the problems in China, especially in water management, water rights, water markets, prices etc.In Chapter One, basic theories and ecology values in sustainable development in water resources are discussed.In Chapter Two, sustainable development in water resources is discussed anddefinitions and connotations are given after analyzing the characteristics in water resources. In Chapter Three, the present conditions and effects in water resources in China is analyzed in detail. This part includes:a. an outline of water resources in China;b. problems caused by conflicts between needs and supplies, frequent floods, droughts, dried rivers, water pollution and erosion;c. analysis of the causes of the problems and conflicts and the measures that can be taken;In Chapter Four, reforms in management in water resources in the U. S., Mexico, France, Australia are studied and experience and inspirations that can be drawn are presented.In Chapter Five, as far as sustainable development in water resources is concerned, advice and proposals are given after analyzing the problems in China. These include: the change of ideas, the reconstruction in systems, the promotion in trading of water, the step-up of the construction of water markets, the establishment of scientific water price system, and the perfection of legal protection of the system.
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