Abstract: Improving water resources utilization efficiency is of great significance to regional economic development. Based on the panel data of Anhui Province from 2011 to 2020, this paper uses Malmquist index and Tobit regression model to study the temporal and spatial differentiation and influencing factors of water resources utilization efficiency in Anhui Province. The results show that: the overall water resources utilization efficiency of Anhui Province showed a fluctuating downward trend from 2011 to 2020, from 0.939 in 2011 to 0.869 in 2020. The water resources utilization efficiency of Hefei, Huaibei, Bozhou, Suzhou and Huangshan was higher, while that of Huainan, Maanshan, Xuancheng and Chizhou was lower; The total factor productivity index of Anhui Province from 2011 to 2020 is 0.989, and the total factor productivity index of Hefei, Huaibei, Maanshan, Wuhu, Tongling, Anqing and Huangshan is greater than 1, with obvious technological progress; The increase of per capita GDP, the proportion of primary industry, and the proportion of agricultural water use, play a positive role in promoting the efficiency of water resources utilization, while the increase of per capita water consumption will hinder the improvement of water resources utilization efficiency. The results of this study can provide reference for government departments to formulate relevant policies.

Key words: Anhui province, water resources utilization efficiency, DEA method, Malmquist index, Tobit regression