Sachsen-Anhalt Water Law.

The present Law lays down provisions relating to water issues in the Land Sachsen-Anhalt. In particular, the 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 ecosystems 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 191 articles divided into 10 Parts as follows: Introductory and common provisions (I); Provisions relating to surface waters (II); Provsions relating to groundwater, protection of thermal and medicinal waters (III); Water supply, disposal of waste water discharge (IV); Installations handling substances being a hazard to water (V); Competent authorities, data base, assessment of hazard (VI); Compulsory rights (VII); Planing of water resources, acces to and collection of data, as well as duty to give information; Water Register (VIII); Penalties (IX); Transitional and final provisions (X).