The River Chief System plays an important role in protecting water environment. Honghu Lake is the largest lake in Hubei Province, however, as time passes, many problems arise: water pollution is getting worse; the area of Honghu Lake is shrinking; biodiversity is being destroyed. To solve these problems, the River Chief System should be implemented by making relevant laws and regulations; cleaning the water flowing into Honghu Lake; clarifing the duties of the River Chief System at all levels; strengthening water ecological restoration; strengthening supervision and law enforcement; and developing red and green culture coordinately. Only by implementing these strategies can the sustainable development of Honghu Lake be boosted.