According to the health state of a river in a province, the paper proposed a new assessment method of river health that is an improved matter element analysis model which overcome the subjectivity of traditional matter element analysis method and the incompatible defect between indicators. It selected eleven indicators of seven elements which is closely related to river health to establish an evaluation system of river health.By analyzing comprehensive correlation degree of sixteen backbone river,it obtained the health state of the backbone river in a province.The results show that the proportion of backbone rivers in the province which is overall in “sub-healthy” (Ⅲ grade level) or above Ⅲ grade level is 75 percent.The health state of rivers is overall good,so it is necessary to pay attention to the health management of river and lake, and the maintenance of river healthy life.