The present Law lays down provisions relating to water issues in the Land of Nordrhein-Westfalen. Article 2 establishes that waters are to be managed in compliance with the principles and purposes of articles 1 to 25 and 33a of the Water Resources Act in order to serve the public interest as well as benefit individuals. A proper water drainage must be ensured. The text consist of 173 articles divided into 18 Parts as follows: Introductory provisions, management (1); Surface waters (2); Protection of waters (3); Principles of water management, access and data collection (4); Use of waters (5); Water supply and sewerage (6); Water charges (7); Maintenance of waters, riparian zones, plants (8); River development, dams and reservoirs (9); Securing of high-water run off (10); Water survey (11); Compulsory enforcement (12); Compensation (13); Water authorities (14); Administrative proceedings (15); Water register (16); Penalty provision s(17); Transitional and final provisions (18).