Water and Sewerage Act, No. 8 of 2020.

This Act, consisting of 62 paragraphs, divided into nine chapters, provides for determining the procedures and standards for the supply of water and sewerage services, for the establishment of adequate facilities in every village of the country, in order to grant the right to safe clean water to all the inhabitants. The Act aims at achieving the following objectives: ensuring the supply of safe and clean water to the population; establishment of a sustainable sewerage system; ensuring the provision of adequate water and sewerage services in the villages and places for tourism purposes; management of water and sewerage services and definition of rights and responsibilities of the recipients; prevention and mitigation of impacts on water resources, and reduction of environmental damages; implementation of a legal system against intentional damages to water and sewerage systems; strengthening public-private partnership in water resource management, in order to ensure the development of the water sector. The Act defines the right to an adequate access to clean and safe water, and water sewerage services, at reasonable prices, for the following purposes: drinking, food and beverages, essential purposes other than food and drink, cleaning.
This Act concerns: responsibilities of the State in ensuring the availability of safe and clean water and good quality of water services; roles and responsibilities of the Ministries, including: issuance of certifications and authorisations; setting national standards in relation to water and sanitation; making rules regarding the maximum price to be charged for water and sewerage services; providing financial assistance in relation to water and sewerage services. Further matters covered by this Act concern: powers and responsibilities of the Council and the Authority, including definition of water rights of the service providers and recipients; compliance with international agreements and obligations; formulation and implementation of a water and sanitation strategic Plan; Public ownership of all natural water resources of the State; measures to increase the protection and conservation of water resources, including conversion of salt water into freshwater, and abstraction techniques; use of natural water resources for industrial purposes; draining water from the ground; measures to ensure preparedness for disasters and other natural incidents; environmental protection measures, including preparation of environmental impact report; use of water in production of energy from renewable energy sources; integrated management of water resources.
The Act further focuses on: description of water and sewerage services; options for water and sewerage service providers; registration and licensing operations; power of inspection; power to summon and investigate persons; administrative measures and criminal penalties; definition of relevant terms.