This study analyzed the policies and summarized the current status of the national water-saving management contract (WSMC) development as well as its implementation between 2016 and 2020. Several main problems affecting and restricting the implementation of WSMC projects were identified including the lack of awareness of the importance of water conservation among water users, the limited number and scale of water conservation service enterprises, and the inadequacy of relevant policies and systems. Subsequently, 11 countermeasure suggestions were proposed, including stimulating the endogenous power of the WSMC, strengthening policy support for the WSMC, improving the supporting systems and the service systems, increasing investment and innovation of water conservation technologies, improving technical standards, exploring innovative WSMC models, promoting pilot demonstrations, deepening water price system reforms, increasing the publicity and training of the WSMC, strengthening coordination, and linkage between multiple departments. These suggestions can provide a reference for the relevant departments to develop and promote WSMC policies.

Developing new-quality productivity in water conservancy (NQPWC) is vital for advancing economic and social development, with a focus on sustainability. An evaluation of NQPWC and the identification of key barriers can help define the challenges and guide the development of targeted solutions. This study established an evaluation indicators system for NQPWC through four dimensions (3H1G): High-technology, High-efficiency, High-quality, and Green. Utilizing a multi-attribute decision approach based on the Real-Code Accelerated Genetic Algorithm Projection Pursuit model (RAGA-PP model), an evaluation of NQPWC at the provincial level in China from 2011 to 2022 was conducted. The results revealed a curvilinear upward trend in NQPWC in most regions, with southeastern coastal provinces (cities) outperforming those in the northwest. Further, the major obstacles affecting NQPWC’s development were identified through an Obstacle Degree Model (ODM), with High-technology being the most significant dimension, followed by High-quality, Green, and High-efficiency.