Policies and Standards

The catalogue identifies relevant open data sources, including Earth Observation (EO) satellite data, as well as environmental and socio-economic. These sources include local and remote sensors (such as satellite imagery, weather stations, and water quality monitoring devices), research outputs (such as census reports, land use maps, and economic indicators). Each resource is evaluated for quality, update frequency, accessibility, and any applicable legal constraints.

ID â–˛ Name Issuing organisation Geographical Scope Type Scientific domain Type of water Water management focus Parameter change rate assumption Description Status Effect Date Resource Recommendations
policies-40 Water Resources Act (Act No. 82 of 2000) Norwegian Parliament Norway Legistlation physical states, chemistry, geology, and biology surface and groundwater monitoring, forecasting, management, simulation, Quality, flow, level, pressure The main goal of the Water Resources Act is to ensure sustainable and environmentally sound management of water resources, including rivers, lakes, groundwater, and other parts of the water system. It seeks to balance ecological, economic, and social interests, and to preserve water resources for future generations. Effective 36892 https://www.regjeringen.no/en/dokumenter/Acts-and-Regulations-/id106724/ 1) Promote sustainable and environmentally sound use, 2) Maintain natural flow conditons, 3) Prevent harm and precautionary principle, 4) Protect biodiversity and ecological integrity, 5) Encourage efficient and equitable water use, 6) Require licensing and impact assessment for major interventions, 7) Ensure public participation and transparency, 8) Polluter pays principle, 9) promote coordination across sectors and scales
policies-41 Regulations governing internal quality control to comply with water watercourse legislation Norwegian Parliament Norway Legistlation physical states, chemistry, geology, and biology surface and groundwater monitoring, forecasting, management, simulation, Quality, flow, level, pressure The Regulations Governing Internal Quality Control to Comply with Water and Watercourse Legislation in Norway are a specialized set of rules that support the implementation of the Norwegian Water Resources Act and related legislation. These regulations are designed to ensure that activities affecting watercourses (such as hydropower operations, construction, and water diversion) are conducted safely, responsibly, and in full legal compliance. Effective 45658 https://leap.unep.org/en/countries/no/national-legislation/regulations-governing-internal-quality-control-comply-water?utm_source=chatgpt.com Ensure that operators and permit holders systematically plan, implement, monitor, and improve their compliance with laws and permits related to water and watercourse management. This includes activities that 1) Affect rivers, lakes, and groundwater, 2) Involve construction or operation of hydropower plants, dams, or water diversion structures, 3)Pose environmental or safety risks
policies-42 Environmental Impact Assessment Act No. 106/2000 Icelandic parliament Iceland Legistlation physical states, chemistry, geology, and biology surface and groundwater monitoring, forecasting, management, simulation, Quality, flow, level, pressure Water is a core environmental factor considered under Iceland’s Environmental Impact Assessment Act No. 106/2000. The Act ensures that any proposed project which might affect water resources—including rivers, lakes, groundwater, and coastal waters—is carefully evaluated for potential environmental impacts before approval. Effective 36892 https://www.fao.org/faolex/results/details/en/c/LEX-FAOC043486/ The Act does not focus solely on water, but it requires water-related impacts to be assessed as part of a broader Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
policies-43 Nature Conservation Act Icelandic parliament Iceland Legistlation physical states, chemistry, geology, and biology surface and groundwater monitoring, forecasting, management, simulation, Quality, flow, level, pressure Objective: Aims to protect Iceland's natural environment, including its inland waters, by regulating activities that could harm ecosystems.​ Provisions: Establishes protected areas and sets guidelines for sustainable interaction with natural resources. Effective 36241 https://www.fao.org/faolex/results/details/en/c/LEX-FAOC199801/ To promote responsible travel and nature conservation in Iceland, the Icelandic Nature Conservation Act, which allows access to nature, encourages consideration, adherence to the conservation code, and respect for private property, while also emphasizing the need for organized development of infrastructure in areas with increased traffic.
policies-44 Canada Water Agency Act Canadian Parliament Canada Legistlation physical states, chemistry, geology, and biology surface and groundwater monitoring, forecasting, management, simulation, Quality, flow, level, pressure The Canada Water Agency Act, passed in 2023 and receiving royal assent in June 2024, establishes the Canada Water Agency as a standalone agency to modernize the Canada Water Act and implement the Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative, focusing on managing, restoring, and protecting freshwater resources. Effective 45251 https://www.parl.ca/DocumentViewer/en/44-1/bill/C-59/royal-assent Modernization of the Canada Water Act: The agency will lead the process of updating the 1970 legislation to reflect current challenges and priorities. Implementation of the Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative: The agency will play a key role in implementing this initiative, which focuses on managing, restoring, and protecting freshwater resources. Freshwater Action Plan: The agency will be responsible for delivering program activities through the Freshwater Action Plan, a signature federal program to manage, restore, and protect fresh water.
policies-45 Canada Water Act Canadian Parliament Canada Legistlation physical states, chemistry, geology, and biology surface and groundwater monitoring, forecasting, management, simulation, Quality, flow, level, pressure The Canada Water Act is a federal statute that outlines the framework for cooperation between the provinces and territories of Canada for the development and use of Canada's water resources, including research, planning, and implementing programs for water conservation Effective 25841 https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/c-11/index.html The recommendations of the Canada Water Act revolve around the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to water, emphasizing universal access to safe water and sanitation, improving water quality, and promoting sustainable water management practices
policies-46 Department of the Environment Act Canadian Parliament Canada Legistlation physical states, chemistry, geology, and biology surface and groundwater monitoring, forecasting, management, simulation, Quality, flow, level, pressure The Department of the Environment Act, identifies ECCC as the lead department within the federal government on water issues in areas not designated to other departments, boards, or agencies (including the Canada Water Agency). Effective 36616 https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/E-10/index.html Pollution Prevention,Toxic Substances: It addresses the assessment and management of risks from chemicals, polymers, and living organisms. Environmental Emergencies: It deals with environmental emergencies and other related issues. Air and Water Quality: The Act addresses air and water pollution, including hazardous waste and greenhouse gas emissions. Waste Management: It includes provisions for the handling, storage, transportation, and disposal of controlled waste. Right to a Healthy Environment: The Act recognizes the right of every individual in Canada to a healthy environment.
policies-47 Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 Canadian Parliament Canada Legistlation Chemistry and biology surface and groundwater monitoring, forecasting, management, simulation, Quality, flow, level, pressure ​The Canadian Environmental Protection Act, provides tools to help prevent freshwater pollution through its provisions to protect the environment from the environmental and human health impacts of a wide range of pollution sources, such as chemicals, animate products of biotechnology, vehicles, engines, equipment, hazardous waste and environmental emergencies. Effective 36417 https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/E-10/index.html Under CEPA, ECCC develops guidelines and objectives to protect water quality, addressing issues such as pollution prevention and the management of toxic substances. It provides a framework for collaboration between federal, provincial, and territorial governments on water resource management. It facilitates agreements on water quality and quantity, enabling ECCC to conduct research and monitor Canada's water resources. ​
policies-48 Lake of the Woods Control Board Act Canadian Parliament Canada Legistlation Chemistry and biology surface and groundwater monitoring, management, simulation, Quality, flow, level, pressure The Lake of the Woods Control Board Act defines the purpose and powers of the Lake of the Woods Control Board to regulate water levels in the Ontario, Manitoba, and US water system, including Lake of the Woods, Lac Seul, and the Winnipeg and English Rivers. Effective 21271 https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/T-10.4/page-1.html Regulate outflows from the Lake of the Woods, manage outflows from Lac Seul, Control flow into Lac Seul via Lake St. Joseph diversion, and oversee flows in the Winnipeg and English Rivers
policies-49 Environmental Emergency Regulations, 1999 Canadian Parliament Canada Legistlation Chemistry and biology surface and groundwater monitoring, management, simulation, Quality, flow, level, pressure The Environmental Emergency Regulations, 1999 require facilities to prevent, plan, respond, and recover from environmental emergencies, including those with significant risks to fresh water. Effective 36434 https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/sor-2003-307/index.html Substance management, environmental emergency plans, regular simulation exercises, and reporting obligations