The law establishes the legal framework for water management in Thüringen, aligning with the German Federal Water Resources Management Act (WHG) and European regulations. It defines key principles such as the classification of water bodies, ownership rights, and limitations on property use related to water bodies. The law includes specific provisions on shoreline boundaries, flood risks, sedimentation, and compensation for landowners affected by water changes. Additionally, it regulates the management of surface waters, including public and private usage rights, hydropower utilization, and the construction and maintenance of water facilities such as dams and reservoirs. The law also addresses wastewater management, setting requirements for wastewater disposal, treatment, and environmental protection. It includes comprehensive flood protection measures, outlining responsibilities for dikes, floodplains, and municipal water defense services. Administrative provisions define the roles of water authorities, regulatory procedures, and enforcement mechanisms, including penalties for violations. Special sections cover expropriation, compensation, environmental restoration, and the adaptation of regulations to align with EU and international water management agreements. The law ensures sustainable water use while balancing environmental, economic, and public interests.
Significant measures outlined in the document include the requirement for municipalities to develop and implement Abwasserbeseitigungskonzepte (wastewater disposal concepts) that detail how wastewater will be managed within their jurisdictions. The document also mandates the establishment of risk management plans and the creation of hazard and risk maps to assess and mitigate flood risks. The text further include procedural considerations for decision making processes, enforcement mechanisms for compliance with water management regulations, and the necessity for ongoing monitoring and evaluation of water management practices to ensure effectiveness and adaptability to changing conditions. The text consists of 83 Articles divided into 9 Parts.