Abstract: The exploitation and protection of water resources concerns about people livelihood and the social sustainable development.This article discussed the importance of water resources as natural resources and strategic economic resources in northern Qinling.The importance of water resources development,utilization,protection and the relationship between them in northern Qinling were analyzed.The result indicates:northern Qinling is a huge green reservoir for Guanzhong area,the key of protecting water resources is moderate exploitation under protection.Make use of both surface water and groundwater resources.Establish groundwater reservoirs and water resources compensation mechanism,and strengthen strategic studies of water resources.