Abstract: According to the primary objective of point source pollution control and the requirements of command-and-control policy, reforms to the wastewater discharge permit system in China are proposed. Experiences from the United States and China''s Taiwan are used as references during the analysis. The results show that the water discharge permit is the most basic means for point source pollution control, and it is the foundation of other policies or measures. The current Chinese wastewater discharge permit system does not meet the principles of command-and-control policy. Because the relevant policies are not coordinated, the management abilities of government and enterprises are not strong enough, and the professional capacity is not sufficient. Therefore, it is very difficult to guarantee that the discharge can continuously meet the standards. It is proposed that the Chinese wastewater discharge permit system be reformed as soon as possible. Specific regulations for wastewater discharge permit system should be issued, a multilevel management system should be established, specific technical guidelines should be formulated, integrated policies based on the permit system should be promoted and the capacity for implementation, enforcement, evaluation and self-improvement should be built.