Abstract: The evaluation of water resources utilization in the source area before and after the operation of the inter-basin water transfer project is of great significance for optimizing water resource allocation, promoting the coordinated development of water resources and economy, and improving the sustainable level of water resources. The water footprint of the water source area of the middle route of the South-to-North Water Diversion project from 2005 to 2019 was calculated in this paper. The evaluation index system incorporating regional water resources sustainability, ecological security, economic coordination and social coordination was constructed to evaluate and analyze the overall water consumption and water resource utilization status of the water source area. The results showed that: （1） By 2019, the overall total water footprint of the water source area had decreased to 7.316 billion m3, while the green water footprint had accounted for a relatively high proportion. The blue water footprint grew by 52.48% between 2005 and 2019. The grey water footprint showed a fluctuation during 2005-2013, but a significant decrease trend from 2014 to 2019; （2） The overall water resources ecological security level and the coordination level between water resources and society in the water source area were relatively good. The unsustainable state of resources was more severe. The coordination between water resources and economy was gradually weakened. This study provided comprehensive theoretical and data support for the formulation of decision-making plans and management methods for sustainable utilization of water resources in the source area of the middle route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project. Analysis and assessment of water resources use and water footprint were conducive to obtaining efficient methods of water resources utilization, enhancing water resources protection, and providing reliable basis for effective allocation of water resources.