These regulations are formulated in order to strengthen the protection of water resources and water pollution prevention and control in Taihu Lake Basin, safeguard flood control and drought relief, ensure the safety of water for living, production and ecology, and improve the ecological environment in Taihu Lake Basin. It consists of 9 Chapters divided into 70 Articles: General Provisions(I); Safety of Drinking Water(II); Water Resources Conservation(III); Water Pollution Prevention and Control(IV); Flood Control, Drought Relief and Protection of Waters and Coasts(V); Safeguard Measures(VI); Monitoring and Supervision(VII); Legal Liability(VIII); Supplementary Provisions(VIIII).
Specific provisions are developed based on the situation of Taihu Lake Basin. In terms of drinking water safety, local governments are required to delimit the drinking water sources protection zones, set up a monitoring system for routine inspections, dismantle and close sewage outfalls and garbage dumps in protected areas, and establish the water supply emergency security system. In developing and utilizing water resources, priority shall be given to water uses of urban and rural inhabitants. Reasonable water level shall be maintained in Taihu Lake. Total water drawing control and real-time water use monitoring shall be established in Taihu and key rivers. Water conservation, groundwater protection, reuse of reclaimed water and monitoring and control of water functional areas shall be strengthened. Effective measures shall be taken to establish total key water pollutants discharge control and interregional ecological compensation and to improve sewage collection and treatment in urban and rural areas.