The purpose of these Regulations is to strengthen lake protection, maintain lake functions, improve lake ecological environment, reasonably utilize lake resources, and promote the sustainable economic and social development. The text consists of 43 Articles divided into 7 Chapters: General provisions (I); Protection planning (II); Water resources and the protection of waters (III); Ecological protection and restoration (IV); Reasonable utilization (V); Legal liabilities (VI); and Supplementary provisions (VII).
The water competent authorities of the people's governments at the county level or above shall be responsible for the administrative of lake protection. Lake protection planning shall include the scope of protection, requirements on lake flood and waterlogging prevention and water resources allocation, water function zoning, water quality control, objectives and measures for ecological protection, and industries and projects to be forbidden or limited, etc. The people's governments shall take measures to maintain a reasonable level and the natural purification capacity of the lakes, and prevent water pollution and reduction of the lakes.
The compensation mechanism of lake ecological protection shall be established and improved. The specific measures shall be formulated by the provincial people's government.
The entities and individuals directly taking water from lakes shall apply for water permit in accordance with the law.