Article​​​​​​​ 118. Protection of surface and underground waters from depletion

Depletion of surface waters means a sustained decrease in the quantity of surface waters and/or deterioration of their quality within a particular territory or basin in relation to their permissible minimum quantity and reserves.

Depletion of groundwater means a sustained decrease in the renewable (natural) reserves of groundwater and/or deterioration of its quality within a particular territory or basin of groundwater deposits or an aquifer.

A sustained and progressive decline over time in the fluctuating levels of the exploited aquifer resulting from excessive abstraction of groundwater, insufficient inflow or recharge of water into the aquifer, lack of control over free-flowing artesian wells, and other causes, as well as pollution of aquifers, shall constitute signs of groundwater depletion.

Legal entities and individuals shall take measures, in the manner prescribed by legislation, to protect surface waters and groundwater and to prevent their depletion.