[Objective] Taking Shiyang River basin as case study, the temporal-spatial variation of water utilization efficiency among different cities was evaluated in order to understand the relationship between water resource utility efficiency and urban population scale.[Methods] Data envelope analysis(DEA) model and Malmquist total factor productivity(TFP) index were used in the study.[Results] (1) The integrated utilization efficiency of water resources presented a‘V’shape growth curve, with a increase trend in pure technical efficiency change(PECH) index while a decrease trend in scale efficiency change(SECH) index. Similar results were also found by the Malmquist index analysis.(2) A positive correlation was found between population scale and water resource utility efficiency.[Conclusion] (1) Gulang and Yongchang County should increase the input of elements, while other Counties of Liangzhou, Minqin and Jinchuan County should maintain the existing investment scale when improving industrial structure adjustment and the optimizing water use structure.(2) Advanced water use techniques and efficient water resources management is crucial to the improvement of water resource utility efficiency in Shiyang River basin.