Abstract: The “Three Waters overall planning” (noted as “TWOP” hereafter) refers a coordinating protection of water environment,water resources and water ecology,playing an important role in the harmonious development of environment and economy of China.This paper systematically reviews the background of the transformation from water pollution prevention and control to“TWOP”,along with elucidating its underlying meaning.And the progress and existing problems in the process of practice of “TWOP” are also analyzed.Studies have shown that a number of distinctive and effective typical experience models have been initially formed through technological innovation and model innovation in past two years.Nevertheless,many challenges persist,including the lack of assessment and evaluation system,imperfect marketization mechanism,insufficient collaborative governance,etc.Therefore,to systematically promote “TWOP” in the future,it is necessary to accelerate the improvement of the water ecological assessment and evaluation system,promote the formation of collaborative governance,comprehensively use the ecological compensation mechanism and so on.