Uzbekistan adopts Water Code to regulate use and protection of water resources

Uzbekistan has adopted a new Water Code that regulates the use and protection of water, water bodies, water management infrastructure, and land within the state water fund.

According to the Ministry of Justice, the Water Code sets out legal norms for the efficient use and protection of water resources, water bodies, and water-related facilities, as well as the land designated for water management purposes.

Under the Code, water is declared a national asset and must be used rationally. It is subject to state protection.

Water use is divided into two categories: general use and special use. Water bodies are classified into the following types:

– surface and underground water bodies within Uzbekistan

– transboundary surface and underground water bodies located in or crossing the territory of Uzbekistan

Water bodies may be used individually or jointly. To support decision-making in water resource management, water councils will be established at the national, basin, and, where necessary, regional levels as collegial advisory bodies. A national water council is also planned to be created under the Cabinet of Ministers.

The Code introduces financial penalties for legal entities that violate procedures for water extraction for fish farming, industrial, energy, or domestic and household needs. These penalties include:

– 20% of the base calculation amount (BCA) per 1,000 cubic meters for exceeding the allocated water use limit

– 30% of the BCA per 1,000 cubic meters for water extraction without a formal contract

– 5% of the BCA per 1,000 cubic meters for using water without metering or control equipment

– 40% of the BCA per 1,000 cubic meters for special-use water extraction without the required permit by users or suppliers

If violations are repeated within one year after the application of financial sanctions, the penalties are increased fivefold.