The objective of this Agreement is to improve the quality of the waters of the Rhine. To this end, the Contracting Parties shall undertake appropriate action to eliminate pollution of the surface waters of the Rhine basin by the dangerous substances referred to in Annexes I and II. When undertaking such action, they shall give due regard to the fact that the waters of the Rhine are destined to the following purposes: (a) supplying drinking water for human consumption; (b) consumption by domestic and wild animals; (c) conserving and developing natural flora and fauna; (d) maintaining the self-purifying capacity of the waters; (e) fishing; (f) recreation; (g) production of water for industrial uses. The Parties must draw up a list of those discharges into the surface waters which might contain the substances included in Annex I. Such discharges shall furthermore require prior approval by the competent national authorities. In case of detection of increase of the said substances, or whenever an accident occurs, the Party concerned shall inform without any delay the International Commission for the Protection of the Rhine against Pollution. The latter is empowered to elaborate recommendations (art. 13).