This Act applies to the use of water which can have the function of drainage, particularly surface water and waste-water, including ditches, canals, pipelines and drains, and lakes, ponds and other similar inland waters. Watercourses are classified as private and public and private landowners are allowed to lower the groundwater level on their property, in order to ensure proper drainage to existing streams. Maintenance of private and public watercourses shall be regulated by the Minister of Environment, after consultating with KL (Local Land Municipality). Public watercourses not meeting satisfactory results, may be improved by creating artificial banks, by placement of large rocks and logs, by establishing current convergers and spawning grounds.
This Act consists of 17 Chapters: Purpose (1); About watercourse general use (2); Rivers Authority (3); Classification of watercourses and construction (4); Regulations for public watercourses (5); Adjustment of watercourses and establishment of new streams (6); Watercourse maintenance (7); Stream restoration (8); Pumping plant with necessary facilities for de-watering and installation of necessary facilities for the in-take, pumping and bypass of water (9); Bridges, dam construction, rivers (10); Supervision and monitoring (11); Miscellaneous provisions (12); Expropriation and compensation (13); Rivers Authority's commitment to economic issues (14); Decisions on streams cases (15); Appeals (16); Penalties and entry into force (17).