Water Resources Management Act 2008.

This Act makes provision for the management, conservation and use of water resources in Samoa including coastal waters where freshwater accumulates or discharges and is mixed with seawater.
The Act sets out the principles of sustainable management of water resources, defines rights to control and manage water resources, regulates the taking and use of water, establishes the Samoa Water Resources Board, provides for the protection of watersheds, provides for community involvement in water resources management, provides for enforcement and defines offences.
In water resources management, the Act requires the precautionary principle to be observed. Control of water resources is vested in the Government. The granting of rights to take or use water may only be done in accordance with the provisions of this Act. In exercising its powers, the Government shall take into account rights of use of the water resource recognized in the Samoa Water Resource Management Plan and the local management of water sources in accordance with By-laws made under this Act. In addition, nothing in this Act shall affect existing rights to land and resources held in accordance with the customs and traditions of Samoa.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall implement this Act and manage the water resource in accordance with principles set out in this Act. The Act sets out rules relative to the application for and granting of licences and permits to drill for water or to otherwise take or abstract water.
The Samoa Water Resources Board shall have various advisory, coordinating and monitoring functions, shall take over the functions of the Watershed Management Committee and have other powers in relation to watershed management.