Flood, freshwater shortage and water pollution are considered as the major water problems in China, and have been taken into account by various levels of the whole society. Although there are many factors impacting the three water problems, soil and water conservation (SWC) is the underlying and strategic measures in solving them. Sediment is an importantelement that directly or indirectly influences water problems. SWC can repress flood and waterlog by reducing sediment input to rivers, decreasing flood discharge and peaks. SWC is able to modify the stress of freshwater shortage by rainfall-resourcized, increasing soil water content and elongating the operating life of reservoirs,as well as improve water quality by reducing sediment in rivers.