Act No. 82 of 2000 on Watercourses and Groundwater (the Water Resources Act).

The Norwegian Water Resources Act establishes a comprehensive legal framework for the sustainable management and use of rivers, lakes, and groundwater. Its central objective is to ensure that water resources are used in a socially responsible way, balancing environmental protection with human and economic needs. The law defines what constitutes watercourses and groundwater, sets out general duties of care, and requires that all activities affecting water systems be planned and carried out so as to minimize harm to public and private interests.
A key pillar of the law is the requirement that significant interventions in watercourses — such as construction, water extraction, or alterations to flow — generally need a permit (concession). Authorities assess such projects by weighing their benefits against potential environmental and social damage, and may impose conditions to protect ecosystems, water quality, and safety. The law also regulates water use rights, establishes minimum flow requirements, protects vegetation along riverbanks, and sets special rules for protected rivers where conservation interests are prioritized.
The Act further provides mechanisms for liability, supervision, and enforcement. It imposes strict responsibility for damage caused by water-related activities, outlines compensation rules, and allows for expropriation when necessary. Authorities are empowered to monitor compliance, issue corrective orders, impose fines, and ensure safety measures such as maintenance and emergency planning.