This Act makes provision for the conservation, management and use of freshwater resources in the Netherlands. It concerns, among other things, integrated water management of water systems and the protection of the environment in relation with the water resources management and use.
The objects of the Act include: the prevention of floods, damage caused by water and water shortage; protection and improvement of the chemical and ecological quality of water resources; proper use of water resources for the benefit of the society. These objects shall be realized through the making of rules by national and local authorities as provided for in this Act. As for administration of water systems, competent authorities shall be appointed by national or provincial legislation.
The competent Minister shall adopt a national water plan, provincial authorities shall adopt a regional water plan and administrators of water systems shall adopt a management plan for the water systems in their care. These plans shall be revised periodically.
The Act further concerns, among other things: construction, management and protection of waterworks; water permits and general rules for the use of water systems in relation with abstraction, discharge of substances into water; financial arrangements; pollution; compensation for damage caused by abstraction or infiltration of water; subsidies; and enforcement.