[Objective] To analyze the water use efficiency of the main cities in order to promote the water ecological civilization urban construction and the development of Northern Slope Economic Zone in Tianshan Mountain.[Methods] Based on the data from 7 main cities in the north slope of Tianshan Mountains in 2004-2015

this paper analyzed the water use efficiency and the spatial and temporal differences of the cities by using the super efficiency DEA model and Malmquist index.[Results] ① Super efficiency DEA analysis showed that the utilization efficiency of water resources in the Northern Slope Economic Zone showed a rising trend

but fluctuated during 2004-2015

meanwhile

the water use efficiency during 2004-2008 is lower than that during 2009-2015. The water resources utilization efficiency in Urumqi

Karamay

Shihezi

Changji and Fukang City was relatively high

while the water resources utilization efficiency in Wusu and Kuitun City was relatively low. ② Malmquist index analysis result showed that the water resources TFP index in 7 main cities fluctuated greatly

and the growth was not stable

showed a "W" type fluctuation. Technical change was the main factor restricting the water resources utilization efficiency in the Tianshan Mountains. ③ SAR model indicated that the water use efficiency showed a spatial dependence. At the temporal and spatial scales

at the 0.05 level

significant correlations were found among the total amount of water

living water

water use efficiency and population and ecological water use. But the correlation between the distances between the cities and the related industrial water and agricultural water use and water use efficiency was not significant.[Conclusion] The government should make great efforts to improve the production technology

popularize water-saving technology

optimize the industrial structure

adjust the proportion of water resources and labor input and improve the contribution rate of technological progress

so as to improve the water resources utilization ratio of main cities in north slope of Tianshan Mountains.