Abstract: In order to correct the inappropriate understanding of water resources carrying capacity (WRCC), the content and the nature of WRCC was discussed and the water resources carrying capacity was evaluated by the use of two methods. Firstly, the connotation of WRCC was defined, the properties of WRCC were proposed as objectivity, relative, dynamic and mutually, and the classification was made. The two characteristics of WRCC were the differences on the task and the general pressure-state-response relationship. The basic requirement of the evaluation on WRCC was proposed. Finally, the status quo water resources carrying capacity (SQWRCC) of the People’s Victory Canal Irrigation District was evaluated by two methods. Results showed that, the comprehensive evaluation method and the water potential analysis method shared on a fifty-fifty basis, and the water potential analysis was more reliable, and could be used to test the results of the comprehensive evaluation method. This study could provide a reference for the classification and evaluation of water resources carrying capacity.