Using policy content analysis methodology,this paper quantitatively analyzed 336 water pollution prevention and control policies during 1984-2016.We found that lots of organizations participate in the water pollution prevention and control policy making process.However,the degree of cooperation among the organizations is not high.The historical development of water pollution prevention and control policy can be divided into three phases:low-position phase,sustained-raise phase,and steadily-growth phase.Towards policy instruments choice,it presents that controlling instrument is used too enough...