Law No. 128 “Water Code”.

The Water Code establishes a comprehensive legal framework governing water relations, emphasizing the regulation of water use, protection, and development to ensure adequate and safe water supply for the population, environmental protection, and rational resource development. It underscores the state's ownership of water resources, the basin management approach, and principles such as stakeholder participation, environmental responsibility, and economic valuation of water. The document delineates the roles and competencies of various state bodies, including the President, Parliament, Cabinet of Ministers, and specialized councils, such as the National Water and Land Council and basin councils, with responsibilities ranging from policy formulation, legislation development, to water resource management and monitoring. Key measures include the development of national strategies and programs, basin plans, and water management policies aligned with international obligations. The Code specifies procedures for water allocation, permits, and contracts, prioritizing water use for drinking, household needs, irrigation, and energy generation. It details the regulation of groundwater extraction, the issuance of permits, and the transfer and extension of water use rights, alongside mechanisms for water pricing, exemptions, and liability for violations. The document also emphasizes environmental standards, pollution control, and the classification of water quality, along with establishing security zones, emergency response systems, and dam safety protocols. Institutional responsibilities for monitoring, enforcement, and stakeholder engagement are explicitly outlined, with timelines for periodic reviews and updates. Implementation mechanisms include the establishment of a unified water information system, state water inventories, and registers, with data collection, analysis, and reporting procedures governed by the Cabinet of Ministers. The Code prescribes institutional roles for water management authorities, environmental agencies, and local administrations, detailing procedures for permits, inspections, and dispute resolution. It also addresses international cooperation, stipulating principles for cross-border water relations, treaty compliance, and joint project financing. Overall, the document provides a detailed legal and institutional blueprint for water governance, emphasizing procedural clarity, stakeholder participation, and compliance with international standards.