The Yellow River Protection Law of the People's Republic of China explicitly mandates the implementation of a mandatory water use quota management system in the Yellow River Basin

marking a significant legislative innovation in water resource management. This paper reviews the current status and existing challenges in the development

implementation

and application of the water use quota system in the Yellow River Basin. Based on national policies and regulations concerning high water-consuming industries and considering the actual water use conditions in the basin

a combination of quantitative and qualitative approaches is adopted to identify the scope of high water-consuming industries and service sectors in the Yellow River Basin. Focusing on the key aspects of implementing mandatory water use quota management

this paper proposes relevant recommendations

including improving coordination with the existing water use quota management system

clarifying quota formulation methods

strengthening quota implementation and application

enhancing the foundation for quota implementation

and promoting coordinated application with the water budget management system. Ultimately

these strategies aim to provide robust support for improving water resource utilization efficiency

thereby facilitating ecological protection and high-quality development in the Yellow River Basin.