Bremen Water Law.

The present Law applies to surface waters and groundwaters and parts thereof. Waters are to be secured as part of the natural environment and living space for human beings, animals and plants. They have to be managed in such a way that they meet the well being of the community; once such a principle is complied with, their use may also suit individual interests. Adverse influence on eco-systems has to be avoided and in general a sustainable development has to be guaranteed. In view of the paramount necessity to safeguard the climate, a high degree of protection for the whole environment shall have to be ensured. The text consists of 180 articles divided into 10 Parts as follows: Common provisions (I): use of waters, protected water areas, protection of thermal and medicinal waters, Water Office, compensation payments, surveillance of waters and liability. Provisions relating to surface water (II): division of waters, property matters; unauthorized use of waters; facilities in or on waters, ensuring discharge of waste water, aims and requirements of water resources management, cleaning, assessment, maintenance and extension of waters, dykes and dams. Provisions relating to groundwater (III); Water supply, waste water disposal (IV); Facilities for the handling and transporting of substances harmful to water (V); Competent authorities, preventing dangers (VI); Compulsory right of passage (VII); Planning, Water Book, Gathering and transmission of information (VIII); Penalties (IX); Transitional and final provisions (X).