Abstract: The management of interbasin water transfer in China is still in the early stage with inadequate laws and regulations and defective management system and mechanism. It’s imperative to formulate relevant management laws and regulations. Since the U.S. has comprehensive and rich managerial experiences in interbasin water transfer, the authors investigated the reports issued by three academic committees on interbasin water transfer and the management measures in the law of interbasin water transfer across five eastern states. Lessons are drawn and management measures for interbasin water transfer are proposed in light of the present situation of water resources management in China.

Key words: interbasin water transfer, water resources management, water rights system