Based on the ecological footprint model, this paper calculated the ecological footprint per capita, the ecological bearing capacity of water resource per capita and ecological surplus of water resources per capita among provinces (cities) in the Yangtze River Economic Belt. The development trend from 2016 to 2025 was forecasted using grey neural network model. The main conclusions are as follows. First, in terms of time trends, the ecological footprint of water resources per capita in Yangtze River Economic Belt experienced a process of rising first and then becoming stable. Ecological carrying did not appear overloaded. The ecological footprint per capita and the ecological carrying capacity of water resources per capita showed great temporal fluctuations. Second, in terms of spatial difference, the annual average value of water resources ecological footprint per capita in Yangtze River Economic Belt overall presented a spatial distribution characteristic of higher in the upper reaches and lower in the downstream regions (except for Zhejiang Province). The annual average value of water resources ecological carrying capacity per capita showed obvious spatial variation due to natural factors. Third, in terms of forecasted results, the value of water resources ecological footprint per capita in Shanghai, Zhejiang and Hunan is decreasing greatly. Sustainable utilization state of water resources is not optimistic in Jiangsu and Chongqing and Yunnan.