Abstract As energy and water resources are coupled during the process of manufacturing and consumption, the energy-water nexus should be obtained so as to develop a better understanding of sustainable resources consumption and reservation. In this study, we analyzed the consumption status and pattern of eight categorized industrial sectors based on the framework of input-output analysis (IOA) and network analysis. It indicates that the resource consumption status or pattern is influenced by different industrial characteristics, location and the degree that each industry benefits from policy. Similarly, such influences still exist in the energy and water efficiency measured by Finn's cycling index (FCI). The industrial structural transformation affects the resource consumption structure as well. Given that the energy-water nexus can capture the performance of industrial activities in the network and serve as a measurement of self-evaluation, the results also demonstrate the effectiveness of industrial transformation and upgrading in Anhui province. Policy implications extended from the results can provide the authorities with a reference for other transitional areas between less-developed and developed areas in a developing country. The research expands the application of energy-water nexus system in Anhui Province and provides pertinent suggestions according to the unique feature of the area.