It is under the administration of the prefecture-level city of Qingyang, and is the easternmost county-level division of the province.

[2][3][4] In January 1973, remains of an elephant were discovered by several farmers on the bank of the Malian River in Banqiao township, Heshui County.

[5] It is believed that more than 3000 years ago, "large populations of Asian elephants still roamed the forests along the Yellow River.

"[6][7] Remains of the Qin dynasty highway passing through Heshui County have been found.

Agricultural output includes grains, corn, potatoes, soybeans, oilseeds, melons, vegetables, apples, white melon seeds, wood ear mushroom, morels, and deer antler velvet.