Decision No.1509/MONRE on Management of Underground Water.

This Decision establishes comprehensive principles and measures for the sustainable management, protection, and use of groundwater resources in Laos. It seeks to ensure water quality and quantity while mitigating environmental impacts and land subsidence caused by improper extraction. By centralizing oversight, the state aims to support socio-economic development while preserving hydrological balance for future generations.
The Decision specifically mandates that any individual or entity engaged in groundwater drilling or usage must obtain official permits and adhere to technical standards. It categorizes water use into small, medium, and large scales, requiring detailed technical feasibility studies and environmental impact assessments for high-volume extractions. Furthermore, it outlines strict prohibitions against contaminating aquifers and establishes protocols for the decommissioning of abandoned wells to prevent surface pollutants from entering the groundwater system.