Order of the Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation No. 120-НК “On approval of the Rules for establishing the boundaries of water protection zones and strips”.

This Order primarily addresses the establishment and regulation of water protection zones and strips. Its objectives include defining the boundaries of water protection areas, ensuring the sanitary and ecological integrity of water facilities, and preventing pollution, contamination, and depletion of surface waters. The regulation emphasizes the importance of maintaining water quality and ecological balance, aligning with broader policy goals of environmental protection and sustainable water resource management. Key measures outlined include the approval of specific rules for delineating water protection zones and strips, with detailed procedures for their development, including preliminary surveys, physico-geographical assessments, and land use planning. The document specifies the minimum widths for water protection zones and strips based on waterbody types, such as rivers, reservoirs, lakes, and coastal areas, with adjustments for urban and rural contexts. It mandates that project organizations develop detailed documentation, including maps, land use plans, and environmental impact assessments, to support the establishment of these zones. The regulation also stipulates that the final boundaries are determined through design based on comprehensive surveys, with particular attention to natural and artificial milestones. Implementation responsibilities are assigned to local executive bodies, which are tasked with establishing the zones and strips based on approved project documents. The process involves coordination with various authorities, including Basin Water Inspectorates, public health agencies, environmental protection bodies, and land relations authorities. It also highlights procedural considerations for boundary delineation, including the use of specific measurements and natural landmarks, and underscores the importance of stakeholder involvement in the planning and approval processes.