Water resources has become common concern, the fundamental reason is that it does not only affect and restricts the sustainable development of modern society, but also becomes the most important issue of the world's resources and environment in this century, which is a direct threat to human survival and development. Water resources sustainable utilization is a hot topic in the world currently. Jinan City is a serious water shortage in northern China. In recent years, with the society and economy development, it seriously affects the city's development and people's life quality. In this article the forefront of the international water footprint calculation method are introduced to water systems in Jinan City, virtual water content of the main trade products were quantitative measured. By the calculation and analysis of Jinan water footprint, the Jinan City is a net exporter of virtual water, which directly endanger the safety of water resources. in the case of limited water resources in Jinan City, in the precondition that water resource must be saved, and the use must be improved, innovative water management ideas should be taken, and implement the virtual water strategy. Water shortage problems will be solved completely by virtual water trade.