These Measures are enacted according to the Water Law of the People's Republic of China, the Flood Control Law of the People's Republic of China, aiming to strengthen the operation of the Three Gorges Reservoir and the management of the water resources and rivers in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, reasonably develop, utilize and protect water resources and give play to the comprehensive effects of the Three Gorges Reservoir. The Measures consist of 38 Articles divided into 6 Chapters: General Povisions; Operation of the Three Gorges Reservoir; Management of Water Resources in Reservoir Area; Management of River Courses; Penalties; Supplementary provisions.
The flood control operation of the Three Gorges Reservoir shall be conducted according to the approved flood control plan and flood operation plan for Yangtze River as well as the flood operation plan, operation procedures, annual flood season operation and application plan and flood control operation instructions for the Three Gorges Reservoir, and shall be subject to the command, supervision and administration of the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Commanding Institution and the Yangtze River Flood Control and Drought Relief Commanding Institution. The water quantity distribution and operation of the Three Gorges Reservoir shall firstly satisfy the domestic water needs of urban and rural residents, take into consideration the water needs in the agricultural sector, the industrial sector, the ecological sector, the environmental sector and navigation, maintain the reasonable water level and flow in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region and the downstream waters, and maintain the self-purification capability of water body. Whoever draws water resources directly from the three gorges reservoir area shall apply to the relevant water administrative department of the local people's government at or above the county level or the Yangtze River Water Resources Commission to obtain a water drawing license and pay water resources fees.