Water budget management is an important institutional innovation in the field of water conservation

drawing on the “revenue and expenditure balance” approach of budgetary management to govern water resources. Based on the water resource endowment

as well as the current state of water resource management and water conservation efforts

Fengxian District of Shanghai explores the implementation of water budget management

designating 2026 as the pilot official construction year. This paper investigates and proposes referenceable implementation pathways for processes such as water budget application

review

allocation

supervision

adjustment

trading

and settlement. It also outlines actionable protective measures for ensuring the legality and compliance of water budget management

personnel and technical equipment

funding investment

and public awareness campaigns. The research aims to provide support for the effective implementation of subsequent water budget management in Fengxian District and offer practical experience for promoting the establishment of water budget management in other regions.