Physical water scarcity has become a critical constraint on regional development in the arid regions of Northwest China. Piloting water budget management is an innovative step toward refined water governance and the enforcement of rigid water use constraints. This paper explores the practical pathways adopted in Zhangye City for implementing water budget management

focusing on the establishment of institutional frameworks

determination of budgeting levels

baseline quota setting

and supervision of budget execution. Furthermore

the paper analyzes innovative practices from four dimensions

which include policy and institutional development

technical standards

engineering management

and organizational support. The economic

ecological

and social benefits achieved through water budget management implementation are summarized. The experience from Zhangye provides valuable insights and references for building comprehensive water budget management systems in arid regions.