Lower Saxony Water Law.

The present Law applies to surface waters, coastal waters, 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 have 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 198 articles divided into 11 chapters as follows: General provisions (I); Provisions relating to surface waters (II); Provisions relating to coastal waters (III); Provisions relating to groundwaters, protection of thermal and medicinal waters (IV);Water supply, disposal of waste water discharge (V); Installations concerning the discharge of harmful substances into waters (VI); Competent authorities, data base, assessment of hazard (VII); Compulsory rights (VIII); Planning of water resources, Water Register (IX); Penalties (X);Transitional and final provisions (XI).