Water diversion projects play an indispensable role in optimizing the allocation of water resources and addressing their uneven geographical distribution. Practical experience demonstrates that the successful implementation of such projects requires a comprehensive balance among construction investment

expected benefits

and water pricing

to ensure both the fulfillment of socio-economic demands and the achievement of sustainable development goals. This paper reviews the construction and operational practices of representative large-scale water diversion projects with notable performance

including the California North-to-South Water Diversion Project in the United States

Singapore Water Intake Project from Malaysia

'the Phase I of the Middle Route of Chinas South-to-North Water Diversion Project

and the Fujian-to-Kinmen Water Supply Project. Despite their differing contexts

these projects share both commonalities and distinctions in water supply scale

capital investment

and the level of economic development in the recipient regions. By systematically analyzing the characteristics of current water pricing policies under the influence of multiple factors

this paper offers insights and practical guidance for the scientific formulation of water prices and the establishment of effective water fee collection mechanisms to support the sustainable planning

construction

and long-term operation of water diversion projects in China.