Protecting water and natural resources is one of the key challenges facing numerous institutions and local government bodies. Numerous investments, especially large-scale ones, are assessed based on this assessment. The entities responsible for these investments must prepare so-called water law reports. In the following article, we explain what these reports are and what their legal basis will be in 2025.
What is a water law report? What is it used for?
This is a document specifying the detailed conditions for the use of water resources within a given investment, as well as its impact on the natural environment. It consists of two parts – graphic and descriptive.
Importantly, water law reports are required to obtain water law permits, including for water abstraction, land drainage, stormwater drainage, real estate construction, or the use of water facilities.
In short, a water law report is a document required to obtain a water law permit, which in turn allows for the implementation of investments that are somehow related to water (for example, they may affect its quality and availability).
What is the purpose of water law reports? Legal basis
Water law reports are prepared to establish detailed rules for the use of water resources. They also serve to protect them, which is why the content of the documents includes a description of the impact of planned investments on the broadly understood aquatic environment.
The legal basis for water law reports is the Act of 20 July 2017 Water law, which indicates, among other things, the methods and principles of water use.
Who issues water permits? How much does it cost?
Water law permits, based on reports, are issued by water administration bodies. Most often, it is PGW WP, i.e. the State Water Management Company Polish Waters, which was established at the beginning of 2018 on the basis of the aforementioned act, as well as the regulation of the Minister of the Environment of 28 December 2017 on granting the statute to the State Water Management Company Polish Waters.
To obtain a legal permit, in addition to meeting formal requirements, you must pay appropriate fees. How much? It all depends on the specifics of the proposed investment – its size and impact on the aquatic environment.
What is the validity period of a water permit?
In this case, it is also difficult to speak of a single regulation that applies to all situations, because investments related to water resources are different.
It should be emphasized, however, that Water permits are temporary in nature and are usually valid for several dozen years.
Examples of applications for water permits
Water permits are prepared for various investments. A common element is the impact on water resources – their quality and availability. Water permits are issued for projects such as:
- construction of a car wash,
- creating a pond,
- legalization of water facilities,
- construction of bridges,
- rainwater drainage,
- construction of a domestic sewage treatment plant or well,
- construction of real estate in floodplains.
You can commission us to prepare water law reports.We provide professional, comprehensive assistance, including not only preparing the necessary documents but also providing support in preparing applications and participating in administrative proceedings. Our knowledge and experience increase your chances of obtaining a permit and, consequently, commencing your planned investment.
