Abstract: The contradiction between socio-economic planning and water resource’s carrying capacity can be addressed by optimal allocation of water resources. With Jiaozuo city as an example, a mathematical model of water resources allocation is established. According to the socio-economic planning indexes, the demand of water resources is predicted. In the light of four-level watersheds and administrative regions, the calculation units for water allocation are analyzed. The allocation is determined between water source projects and water users. In line with water source project’s features and water user’s requirement for water quality, the priority between water supply and water use are determined. By employing equilibrium analysis, the groundwater, surface water, and water transferred from other watersheds are calculated and allocated. The recommended water allocation for Jiaozuo city is given to provide basis for sustainable development.

Key words: water resources allocation, mathematical model, calculation unit, water supply priority rules, water use priority rules, Jiaozuo city