Based on the perspective of concepts and method evolution, two major water footprint assessment(WFA)methods of water footprint network(WFN)and life cycle assessment(LCA)are compared and analyzed, their correlation and differences between each other are summarized. On this basis, a comprehensive water footprint assessment method for multi-user service, multi-objective and whole-process coverage is proposed to solve the sustainable utilization of water resources. The assessment method embodies the idea of life cycle and is systematic, thus overcoming the limitations of different methods. At the same time, it emphasizes the role of participation of various stakeholders. Water footprint assessment can be carried out at different levels from improving the efficiency of resource use, reducing environmental impacts and controlling the total amount of resources, providing a more comprehensive theoretical and technical support for formulating the decision-making scheme and management method of water resources sustainable utilization at both micro and macro levels.