<p>We investigated mine water accidents in China from 2015 to 2023, applying mathematical statistics and spatial analysis techniques to explore their spatiotemporal evolution and regional disparities. The results indicate that from 2015 to 2023, mine water accidents and fatalities in China generally declined, despite some fluctuations, as the overall scale of mine water hazards was effectively reduced. Mine water accidents occurred most frequently between April and November, with peak incidences at night, from 20:00 to 01:00. The shift in the center of gravity of coal resources has influenced the distribution trend of mine water hazards. Mine water accidents also shifted westward during the study period and are now centered in western China. The spatial distribution of mine water accidents follows a northeastern-southwestern pattern, with the scope of accident impacts expanding regionally; the overall gap in water hazard prevention and control levels in coal mines is narrowing, with intra-regional disparities being the primary cause of differences in accident prevention and control levels. Furthermore, the gap in water hazard prevention and control levels across provinces is shrinking, and the multilevel divide is gradually weakening. This study analyzes the patterns of mine water accidents within the backdrop of China's ongoing coal resource development. It also provides a reference and basis for the precise prevention and control of mine water hazards, enabling safe and efficient coal extraction.</p>