The domain, advancement s and existed problems of research on vulnerability in the field of resources and environmental science are concluded. It is believed that research on vulnerability is weak in aspect of water resource, especially surface water resource in South China. After reviewing research on vulnerability in the field of resources and environmental science, a concept of vulnerability of surface water reflecting the characteristics of surface water resource system is put forward for the first time. Then the meaning and cont ributing factors about vulnerability of ground water are analyzed. It is believed that vulnerability of ground water includes two aspect s of water quality and quantity, which all can decompose as natural vulnerability, artificial vulnerability and burdening vulnerability. A multipurpose index system is built to express the vulnerability of ground water resource. A quantitative assessment method is brought forward in the end.