Law on Water and Water Resources (Amended) 2017.

The Water and Water Resources Law provides for the principles, regulations, and measures for water resource management in the Lao People's Democratic Republic, aiming to improve the sustainability of Lao’s water resources. The updated Law, consisting of 13 Parts, 7 Chapters, and 98 Articles, focuses on better protection of water resources and sustainable use to support national economic development.
The new provisions have been added on water rights and use, including waste-water discharge permits, wetlands and water-resources protection, ground-water management, and river-basin management. Additionally, the revised Law expands the terms and conditions of large, medium, and small-scale uses and includes articles on environmental flows for hydropower as well as stipulations related to irrigation use.