The Law is divided into eight Chapters: General provisions (I); Standards and planning for the prevention and control of water pollution (II); Supervision and administration of the prevention and control of water pollution (III); Measures for the prevention and control of water pollution (IV); Protection of drinkable water sources and other special waters (V); Management of water pollution accidents (VI); Legal liability (VII); Supplementary provisions (VIII).; This Law aims at the prevention and control of pollution of rivers, lakes, canals, irrigation channels, reservoirs and other surface water bodies and groundwater. State quality standards of water environment and for the discharge of water pollutants shall be established at the central and local level by the competent authorities. According to the provisions of this Law, said authorities shall also, in the process of developing, utilizing, regulating and allocating water resources, make integrated and rational plans for the purpose of: (a) maintaining proper river flows, proper water levels of lakes and reservoirs and proper groundwater tables; (b) protecting urban water sources, preventing and controlling urban water pollution; (c) controlling the placement of industry; (d) designating protected zones; (e) controlling the direct or indirect discharge of pollutants into water bodies. Similar provisions are made with respect to the prevention of surface water and groundwater pollution. Final provisions establish the penalties to be applied in case of contravention.
Law of the People's Republic of China on Prevention and Control of Water Pollution.