The implementation of the Water Policy Concept is based on the application of and compliance with the following principles:• Water as a vital environmental component and natural resourceWatercourses and the land under them are owned by the state. Water is essential for the functioning of society and ecosystems. Water and water-dependent ecosystems provide services and functions that a fundamental impact on the quality, quantity, availability and distribution of water. The use of water and ecosystems is only possible to the that their resilience is not impaired and that at least good ecological status of surface water bodies or good quantitative and chemical status of groundwater can be achieved/maintained.• Adapting to climate changeThe effects of climate change are manifested in all areas by an increase in the frequency of extreme meteorological and hydrological events (drought and water scarcity, floods), changes in the distribution of annual runoff, changes in groundwater recharge, landslides and soil erosion, changes in the stability of ecosystems and thus their ability to retain water and transform surface runoff, the spread of invasive species, etc. Adaptation measures and increasing the resilience of the landscape take precedence over addressing the consequences and negative impacts.• Water as a human rightAccess to water and sanitation is recognised as a fundamental human right and every member of society must have access to water in sufficient quantity and of adequate quality, including vulnerable and socially disadvantaged groups or individuals.
The objective is to have a resilient landscape capable of retaining water and mitigating the negative impacts of climate change, creating water resources of the required quality for sustainable consumption.
