Developing the coalbed methane industry is beneficial for optimizing the energy structure and is an inevitable requirement for China to achieve the “dual carbon” goal. However

due to the fact that the scope of coalbed methane exploitation involves key spring protection areas

the exploitation process inevitably has adverse effects on water resources in spring basins. How to effectively handle the relationship between water resources and coalbed methane exploitation is a problem that needs to be considered and paid attention to in current water resource management. Taking Xin'an Spring Basin in Shanxi Province as a case study

this article analyzes the impact mechanism of coalbed methane exploitation in the Qinnan Xiadian block of the Qinshui coalbed gas field on spring water resources. It proposes measures and suggestions at both government and enterprise levels

such as improving legislation

building an intelligent regulatory system

establishing a scientific research system

optimizing construction technology

constructing water-saving enterprises

and strengthening scientific and technological innovation

which provides references for promoting water resource management in spring basins and coordinated development of the coalbed methane industry.