Key practical points:
• Water resources are owned by the state, and abstracting significant volumes from rivers or groundwater requires an abstraction permit.
• A fee is charged for using water resources, and the state promotes efficient use and recycling.
• Water is managed by river basin, with allocation plans dividing water among regions.
• Construction or discharge that obstructs river courses or threatens dam and flood-control safety is prohibited.
• Protecting drinking-water sources is a priority, with protection zones where pollution is banned.
• Violations include unlicensed abstraction and encroachment on water works, leading to fines, removal, and compensation.
Water Law · Yalla China
中华人民共和国水法 / Water Law of the People's Republic of China
Enacted: 2002-08-29 ✅ Effective: 2016-07-02
📝 Overview
A law governing the development, use, conservation, and protection of water resources against pollution and depletion. It uses a water-abstraction permit system and water resource fees.
This is general information only, not legal advice. For your specific case, consult a licensed lawyer.
📜 The law text / key provisions
💬 Practical reading
💬 This is a general reading/opinion for orientation — not the official legal text nor legal advice.
Factories and water-intensive projects must obtain an abstraction permit and pay resource fees. Areas near drinking-water sources are environmentally very sensitive. This is general orientation, not legal advice.
📎 Official source
npc.gov.cn
🕒 Updated: 16 March 2026