Policies abd Regulations

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–² 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-51 Murray–Darling Basin Plan 2012 Australian Parlimanet Australia Legistlation physical states, chemistry, geology, and biology surface and groundwater monitoring, management, simulation, Quality, flow, level, pressure Developed under the Water Act 2007, the Basin Plan provides a coordinated approach to water use across the Murray–Darling Basin's states and territories. It sets sustainable diversion limits to balance environmental, social, and economic needs Effective 22 November 2012 https://www.dcceew.gov.au/water/policy/mdb-plan The Plan recommends reducing water extraction to sustainable levels, restoring over-allocated rivers and wetlands, and improving water quality. It emphasizes adaptive management and regular reviews to respond to new information and changing conditions.
policies-52 Wild Rivers Act 2005 (Queensland) Australian Parlimanet Australia Legistlation physical states, chemistry, geology, and biology surface and groundwater monitoring, management, simulation, Quality, flow, level, pressure This legislation was enacted to preserve the natural values of rivers that remain in near-pristine condition. It aimed to protect these rivers by regulating development activities within declared wild river areas.​ Effective 31 August 2005 https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/pdf/asmade/act-2005-042 The Act recommended establishing buffer zones around wild rivers, restricting certain types of development, and implementing management plans to maintain the ecological integrity of these waterways.
policies-53 Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) Australian Parlimanet Australia Legistlation physical states, chemistry, geology, and biology surface and groundwater monitoring, management, simulation, Quality, flow, level, pressure The EPBC Act is the Australian Government's central piece of environmental legislation. It provides a legal framework to protect and manage nationally and internationally significant flora, fauna, ecological communities, and heritage places, including inland waters. Effective 16 July 2000 https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/epbc The Act recommends assessing and approving actions that may have a significant impact on protected matters, implementing recovery plans for threatened species and ecological communities, and establishing conservation agreements with landholders.
policies-54 National Water Initiative (NWI) 2004 Australian Parlimanet Australia Legistlation physical states, chemistry, geology, and biology surface and groundwater monitoring, management, simulation, Quality, flow, level, pressure The NWI is an intergovernmental agreement between the Australian Government and all states and territories. It outlines objectives and commitments for water reform, aiming to achieve a nationally consistent approach to water management. Effective June 2004 https://www.dcceew.gov.au/water/policy/policy/nwi The NWI recommends actions such as returning over-allocated systems to sustainable levels, improving water planning and management, enhancing water markets and trading, and ensuring water accounting and measurement are robust and transparent.
policies-55 Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) New Zealand Parliament New Zealand Legistlation physical states, chemistry, geology, and biology surface and groundwater monitoring, management, simulation, Quality, flow, level, pressure The RMA is New Zealand's principal environmental legislation, aiming to promote the sustainable management of natural and physical resources, including land, air, and water. It integrates various resource management laws into a unified framework. Effective 1 October 1991 https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1991/0069/latest/DLM230265.html The Act emphasizes sustainable management, requiring that activities affecting water resources avoid, remedy, or mitigate adverse environmental effects. It mandates regional councils to develop regional plans and policies for water management, ensuring public participation in decision-making processes.
policies-56 National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 (NPS-FM 2020) New Zealand Parliament New Zealand Legistlation physical states, chemistry, geology, and biology surface and groundwater monitoring, management, simulation, Quality, flow, level, pressure The NPS-FM 2020 provides updated direction to local authorities on managing freshwater resources under the RMA. It introduces the concept of Te Mana o te Wai, prioritizing the health and well-being of water bodies. Effective 3 September 2020 https://environment.govt.nz/publications/national-policy-statement-for-freshwater-management-2020-amended-january-2024/ The policy requires regional councils to set objectives, policies, and limits for freshwater management that prioritize:​ 1. The health and well-being of water bodies and freshwater ecosystems., 2.The essential health needs of people (such as drinking water)., 3. The ability of people and communities to provide for their social, economic, and cultural well-being. It also emphasizes the involvement of iwi and hapū in freshwater management and the protection of wetlands and streams.
policies-57 National Environmental Standards for Freshwater 2020 (NES-F) New Zealand Parliament New Zealand Legistlation physical states, chemistry, geology, and biology surface and groundwater monitoring, management, simulation, Quality, flow, level, pressure The NES-F sets out technical standards and requirements for specific activities that pose risks to freshwater and freshwater ecosystems. It aims to protect and improve the health of freshwater bodies. Effective 3 September 2020 https://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2020/0174/latest/LMS364099.html The standards regulate activities such as intensive winter grazing, feedlots, and the use of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers. They require farmers and landowners to adopt practices that minimize environmental impacts on freshwater systems.
policies-58 Water Law, 1959 Israeli parliament ​Israel Legistlation physical states, chemistry, geology, and biology surface and groundwater monitoring, management, simulation, Quality, flow, level, pressure The Water Law of 1959 is the cornerstone of Israel's water legislation, establishing that all water resources within the country are public property managed by the state. The law provides a framework for the control, protection, and allocation of water resources to meet the needs of the population and support national development. Effective 3 August 1959 https://www.gov.il/en/pages/water_law_1959 The law emphasizes sustainable management and equitable distribution of water resources. It mandates the prevention of water pollution and the maintenance of water quality. Additionally, it led to the establishment of regulatory bodies responsible for overseeing water resource management and enforcing water-related policies
policies-59 Water and Sewage Corporations Law, 2001 Israeli parliament ​Israel Legistlation physical states, chemistry, geology, and biology Wastewater monitoring, management, simulation, Quality, flow, level, pressure This law restructured the management of water and sewage services by transferring responsibilities from local authorities to newly established municipal water corporations. The aim was to enhance efficiency, professionalism, and financial stability in water service provision. Effective 31 July 2007 https://www.gov.il/en/pages/water_sewage_corporation The law advocates for the corporatization of water services to improve operational efficiency and service quality. It recommends clear delineation of responsibilities between municipalities and water corporations, along with the establishment of regulatory oversight to ensure accountability.
policies-60 Water Protection Act (GSchG) Switzerland Switzerland Legislative physical states, chemistry, biology Surface and groundwater monitoring and management Water quality This Act aims to protect waters by safeguarding human, animal, and plant health; ensuring sustainable drinking and agricultural water use; preserving aquatic ecosystems, biodiversity, landscapes, fisheries, and natural hydrological functions; and supporting irrigation and recreational use. Effective 24-Jan-91 https://www.fedlex.admin.ch/eli/cc/1992/1860_1860_1860/en In particular it aims: a. to preserve the health of people, animals and plants; b. to guarantee the supply and economic use of drinking water and water required for other purposes; c. to preserve the natural habitats of indigenous fauna and flora; d. to preserve waters suitable as a habitat for fish; e. to preserve waters as an element of the landscape; f. to ensure the irrigation of agricultural land; g. to permit the use of waters for leisure purposes; h. to ensure the natural functioning of the hydrological cycle