[Objective] The objective of this study is to investigate the spatial-temporal pattern of water resources ecological footprint and evaluate the sustainable utilization of water resources in Zhejiang Province in order to provide theoretical basis for the regional development and policy making. [Methods] Based on the theory of ecological footprint

this paper calculated the ecological footprint and the ecological carrying capacity of the water resources in Zhejiang Province. [Results] From 2003 to 2013

the ecological footprint of the water resources showed an upward trend with a slight fluctuation

while the ecological carrying capacity of the water resources fluctuated greatly. The water resources per capital was surplus in the research area

and showed an increasing trend. The utilization of the water resources was secure

as the utilization efficiency of the water resources was increasing year by year. Ecological footprint of the water resources in all cities were divided into three levels: high

medium and low in Zhejiang Province. The ecological carrying capacity of the water resources and the water resources per capital showed a decreasing pattern from southwest to northeast in research areas. The water resources ecological security in southern regional was higher than that in the northern regions

while the utilization efficiency of the water resources in eastern region was higher than that in the western and northern regions. [Conclusion] Although the sustainable utilization of water resources in Zhejiang Province is increasing

great differences existe among different cities. Government should take relevant measures such as reasonable adjustment of industrial structure

construction of water conservancy facilities

intensification of water resources recycling and strengthen of water resources security

to improve the efficiency of water resources using based on development stages and goals.