Abstract:A water resources optimal operation model of Jiangsu Section of South-to-North Water Transfer East Route Project was developed in this study. The improved multi-objective quantum genetic algorithm was adopted and the multiple attribute decision making method of Pareto optimal set was applied based on a combination weighting approach. In the conditions of normal, dry, and extremely dry, compared with the conventional operation, the water shortage could be reduced by 0. 89 billion m3, 0. 87 billion m3, and 0. 08 billion m3, respectively, and the pumping amount of the system could be reduced by 20. 14 billion m3, 39. 14 billion m3 and 50. 76 billion m3, respectively, with the optimal operation. It shows that the optimal operation can make full use of the regulation and storage capacity of lakes, improve the satisfaction of water users, and reduce the cost of pumping.