Law of Georgia on Water (No. 936-IS of 1997)

This Law regulates basic legal relations between state authorities and natural and legal persons in water conservation, study, and use; in conservation, study, and use of water on the land, in the subsoil, on the continental shelf, in the territorial waters and within special economic; and in production of marketable water products and international water trading. This Law intends to ensure implementation of a unified national policy in water conservation and use; protect water bodies (including the Black Sea waters of Georgia) and ensure the rational use of water resources considering the interests of present and future generations and the principles of sustainable development; prioritise the demand of the population for clean drinking water; ensure the sustainability and sustainable use of aquatic fauna; prevent hazardous impact of water and eliminate its consequences effectively; ensure the guaranteed protection of the state interests of Georgia in water conservation, use, and international water trading; ensure the production of marketable water products in compliance with international principles and standards; and protect lawful rights and interests of natural or legal persons in the spheres of water conservation and use. The Law further provides that water is a unique, foremost, and vital natural resource which is essential for the existence of humans, flora and fauna, and is indispensable for the development of the economy of the country. In order to ensure a safe environment for human health under the Constitution of Georgia, according to the ecological and economic interests of society, and considering the interests of present and future generations, the State shall ensure protection of the environment and, accordingly, protection of its main component - water. Every person residing in Georgia shall ensure rational and sustainable use and conservation of water, and shall prevent its pollution, littering, and depletion. The waters within the land territory, its subsoil, continental shelf, territorial waters, and special economic zone of Georgia are a national treasure of Georgia and shall be protected by the State. The Law is divided into 13 chapters and 96 articles.