The purpose of this Act is to protect water and its ecosystems, prevent further deterioration of water quality and improve the conditions of aquatic ecosystems. It also seeks to promote the sustainable use of water and the long-term protection of water resources. It applies to surface water and groundwater as well as estuarine water and coastal waters, to their ecosystems and to ecosystems related to them in aquaculture, according to the geographical demarcation established in Annex I. The Act provides for the adoption of a water plan, an action plan, and a monitoring plan, and further lays down rules on water authorities, environmental goals, drinking water, access to information, etc.