Decree No. 149/2004/ND-CP on the issuing of permits for water resource exploration, exploitation and use, or for discharge of wastewater into water sources.

In order to explore, exploit and drill surface water and groundwater sources and to discharge wastewater in both surface and groundwater individuals or Companies must apply for permits, issued by competent authorities: those permits shall have a specific duration and shall submiti to provisions in terms of issuance, renewal, variation, and withdrawal: exploitation and waste discharge on family basis for domestic or agricultural use, as also for aquaculture and forestry, are exempt.