Key practical points:
• Industrial wastewater discharge needs a permit and must meet standards before entering waterways.
• Discharging toxic or hazardous substances into rivers or groundwater is strictly forbidden.
• Drinking-water source protection zones face strict limits on surrounding activities.
• The 'river/lake chief' system makes local officials directly responsible for a water body's cleanliness.
• Large farms and livestock operations must treat their waste to prevent water pollution.
• Penalties include cumulative daily fines, suspension of operations and liability for compensation and cleanup.
Law on Prevention and Control of Water Pollution · Yalla China
中华人民共和国水污染防治法 / Law on Prevention and Control of Water Pollution
Enacted: 1984-05-11 ✅ Effective: 2018-01-01
📝 Overview
A law protecting rivers, lakes, groundwater and drinking water from industrial, agricultural and domestic pollution. It sets discharge standards, permits and the 'river chief' system. It concerns factories, farms and treatment plants.
This is general information only, not legal advice. For your specific case, consult a licensed lawyer.
📜 The law text / key provisions
💬 Practical reading
💬 This is a general reading/opinion for orientation — not the official legal text nor legal advice.
If your industrial or agricultural project is near a river or lake, water discharge must be permitted and treated, and dumping toxic material is absolutely banned. Drinking-water zones are highly sensitive. Fines can accumulate daily until you fix it. General orientation, not legal advice.
📎 Official source
Ministry of Ecology and Environment / mee.gov.cn
🕒 Updated: 16 March 2026