Water protection

Water protection in Switzerland covers groundwater, lakes, rivers and related aquatic ecosystems. It regulates wastewater treatment, discharges, hazardous substances, agricultural nutrients, construction near waters and the ecological condition of watercourses. Authorities use permits, protection zones, monitoring and remediation orders to prevent pollution and secure drinking-water resources. The field intersects with spatial planning, hydropower, flood protection and nature conservation. Legal issues often concern permit conditions, minimum residual flows, contaminated runoff, groundwater protection areas and allocation of costs according to the polluter pays principle.