These Measures, consisting of 25 articles, are enacted according to the Water Law of the People's Republic of China, the Hydrology Regulation of the People's Republic of China, aiming to strengthen the administration of hydrological networks and give full play to their functions and roles.
Hydrometric stations are classified into national basic hydrometric stations and special hydrometric stations. National basic hydrometric stations include important national hydrometric stations and ordinary hydrometric stations. The water administrative departments of the people's governments of the provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the Central Government may determine the important provincial hydrometric stations within their respective administrative regions in light of their actual situations. Hydrological experimental stations may be established if it is necessary for hydrological experimental research or other scientific research. The state makes overall plans for the construction of hydrological networks. Hydrological network planning is the basis for the construction and management of hydrological networks.