Regulation on water allocation.

This Regulation lays down rules for the distribution of water supplies among governmental institutions, and leasing of water resources by and licensing of the institutions, within the approval of the General Directorate of State Hydraulic Works. The principles for water allocation are specified as protection, development and improvement of the quantity and quality of water resources; allocation of water supplies in accordance with usage priorities; prevention of point-source pollution; protection and efficient use of allocated water; prevention of misuse or overexploitation of allocated water; water usage for one or more purposes according to the water usage priorities in case of water scarcity; and water-saving during the transmission and use of the allocated water. Water usage priorities are specified as 1. drinking and potable water needs, 2. environmental water needs, 3. agricultural irrigation and aquaculture, 4. energy production and industrial water needs, and 5. commercial, tourism, recreation, mining, transportation and other water needs. This Regulation sets forth provisions on application and evaluation procedures; determination of period of water allocation by the General Directorate of State Hydraulic Works; validation, inspection, cancellation and renewal of water allocation licenses; and liabilities for misuse of allocated water.