Decree No. 46 of 1999 of the Government on the use and exploitation of flood areas, riverside strips, wetlands and periodically inundated areas.

This Decree regulates the use of these areas permanently or periodically under water, determines who is entitled to use such areas and the responsibilities of the proprietors or users in case of flood. Every section deals with one type of periodically or permanently inundated zone, i.e.: Section II regulates the utilization of riverside strips along natural or artificial waters and it also determines the width of this strip for different type of watercourses and lakes. Riverside strip must be kept easily reachable to water authorities and waterworks for maintenance purposes. Normally it can be used only for pasture and constructions must be authorized. Illegal use of such areas and indemnification to proprietors or users for damages suffered are also ruled in this section. Section III governs the use and exploitation of flood areas and the maintenance and use of protection forests on these lands. Section IV comprises rules regarding wetlands and periodically inundated low-lying zones. Constructions must be authorized and indemnity for damages caused by water is not payable. Wetlands with regard to the application of this Decree are: open flood areas (watercourses without dike), marshlands, seasonal watercourses, and the former bed of watercourses.