Abstract This study proposes an evaluation index system of water literacy levels. Thirty-one provincial capitals in mainland China were selected for the survey. The preliminary evaluation results were revised to obtain the comprehensive evaluation value of water literacy. The results of the questionnaire show that the water literacy score is relatively high, but the water behavior score is relatively low; the modified evaluation results are closer to the actual water literacy level of urban residents; and the comprehensive evaluation value of water literacy has a certain correlation with the distribution of water resources in China. The research results can provide theoretical support for China's future work to improve citizens’ water literacy, and the water sector can formulate policies that are more in line with China's water resource status based on the level of water literacy, differences in water behavior, and water resource distribution.