Circular No. 06/2026/TT-BNNMT Amending and Supplementing Certain Articles of Circulars in the Field of Water Resources

CIRCULAR

Amending and supplementing certain articles of circulars
in the field of water resources

Pursuant to the Law on Government Organization No. 63/2025/QH15;

Pursuant to the Law on Local Administration Organization No. 72/2025/QH15;

Pursuant to the Law on Water Resources No. 28/2023/QH15;

Pursuant to the Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Articles of 15 Laws in the Field of Agriculture and Environment No. 146/2025/QH15;

Pursuant to Decree No. 35/2025/NĐ-CP dated February 25, 2025 of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development;

Pursuant to Decree No. 217/2025/NĐ-CP dated August 5, 2025 of the Government on specialized inspection activities;

At the proposal of the Director of the Department of Water Resources Management;

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development issues this Circular amending and supplementing certain articles of circulars in the field of water resources.

Chapter I
AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING CERTAIN ARTICLES OF CIRCULAR NO. 03/2024/TT-BTNMT DATED MAY 16, 2024 OF THE MINISTER OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT PROVIDING GUIDELINES FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE WATER RESOURCES LAW AMENDED AND COMPLEMENTED BY CIRCULAR NO. 14/2025/TT-BNNMT DATED JUNE 19, 2025 OF THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT REGULATING DELEGATION OF POWERS, LEVELS, DEFINITION OF AUTHORITY, AND AMENDMENT AND SUPPLEMENTATION OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF CIRCULARS IN THE FIELD OF WATER RESOURCES

Article 1. Amending and supplementing Clause 2 of Article 7 as follows:

"2. In cases where the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the People's Committee of the province determines and announces the function of surface water according to the provisions of Clause 5 of Article 22 of the Water Resources Law, the organization and implementation of zoning for the function of water sources, approval, and announcement of the function of water sources shall be carried out as follows:

a) The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development directs the Department of Water Resources Management to coordinate with the Provincial Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development, relevant agencies to determine and zone the function of inter-provincial surface water and transboundary surface water, and seek opinions from the Ministries of Industry and Trade, Construction, Culture, Sports and Tourism, the People's Committee of the province, river basin organizations (if any), and other relevant agencies and units regarding the results of zoning the function of water sources.

Based on the feedback, the Department of Water Resources Management will compile, incorporate, explain, and complete the dossier to submit to the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development for consideration and approval;

b) The People's Committee of the province directs the Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to organize the determination and zoning of the function of water sources for intra-provincial surface water and seek opinions from the Provincial Departments of Industry and Trade, Construction, Culture, Sports and Tourism, the People's Committee of the district, and other relevant agencies and units regarding the results of zoning the function of water sources.

Based on the feedback, the Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development will compile, incorporate, explain, and complete the dossier to submit to the People's Committee of the province for consideration and approval;

c) Within ten working days from the date of approval of the zoning of the function of water sources, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the People's Committee of the province, within their respective jurisdictions, shall announce and publish the decision approving the zoning of the function of water sources on the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development's electronic portal or the People's Committee of the province's website.".

Article 2. Amending and supplementing Article 9 as follows:

 "Article 9. Cases requiring the determination and announcement of the sanitary protection zones for water supply areas

Water resource exploitation works for production and provision of clean water for daily use (hereinafter referred to as water extraction works for daily use) that require issuance of a water resource exploitation permit according to regulations must determine and announce the sanitary protection zones for water supply areas.".

Article 3. Amending and supplementing Article 12 as follows:

"Article 12. Determination, Approval, and Announcement of Sanitary Protection Zones for Water Supply Areas

1. During the process of preparing the application for a water resource exploitation permit, the organization or individual investing in, managing, and operating water extraction works for daily use shall propose specific boundaries of the sanitary protection zones for water supply areas of the water extraction works in the application for a water resource exploitation permit based on the provisions of Articles 10 and 11 of this Circular.

In cases where the water extraction works for daily use fall under the authority to issue permits of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, after issuing the water resource exploitation permit, the agency responsible for reviewing the application shall send the project and report on water extraction to the Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development where the water extraction works are located for examination and review of the boundaries of the sanitary protection zones for water supply areas of the water extraction works, to be submitted to the Chairman of the People's Committee of the province for approval and announcement according to regulations.

2. Approval of sanitary protection zones for water extraction works under the authority to issue permits of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development

a) On the basis of the proposed boundaries of the sanitary protection zones for water supply areas by the organization or individual as stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article and the current land use status, the Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development shall organize the determination of the boundaries of the sanitary protection zones for water supply areas of the water extraction works.

In cases where the sanitary protection zones for water supply areas span two provinces or centrally-administered cities, the Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development where the water extraction works are located shall take the lead and coordinate with the Provincial Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development of the involved provinces to unify the boundaries of the sanitary protection zones for water supply areas of the water extraction works.

b) Within ten working days from the date the competent authority signs and issues the water resource exploitation permit, the Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development shall submit to the Chairman of the People's Committee of the province for approval of the sanitary protection zones for water supply areas of the water extraction works.

In cases where the sanitary protection zones for water supply areas span two provinces or centrally-administered cities, within fifteen working days from the date the competent authority signs and issues the water resource exploitation permit, the Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development where the water extraction works are located shall submit to the Chairman of the People's Committee of the province for approval of the sanitary protection zones for water supply areas of the water extraction works.

3. Approval of sanitary protection zones for water extraction works under the authority to issue permits of the Chairman of the People's Committee of the province

The organization of determining the boundaries of the sanitary protection zones for water supply areas shall be carried out during the review of the application for a water resource exploitation permit and submitted to the Chairman of the People's Committee of the province for approval of the sanitary protection zones for water supply areas of the water extraction works simultaneously with the issuance of the water resource exploitation permit.

In cases where the sanitary protection zones for water supply areas span two provinces or centrally-administered cities, during the review of the application for a water resource exploitation permit, the Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development where the water extraction works are located shall take the lead and coordinate with the Provincial Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development of the involved provinces to unify the boundaries of the sanitary protection zones for water supply areas of the water extraction works.

4. The decision approving the sanitary protection zones for water supply areas shall include the following main contents: name of the water extraction work; source of water extraction; scale of the water extraction work; location of extraction; boundaries of the sanitary protection zones for water supply areas of the water extraction work.

5. Within ten working days from the date of the decision approving the sanitary protection zones for water supply areas, the Chairman of the People's Committee of the province shall direct the Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to organize the announcement through mass media and the local electronic information portal; send to the People's Committee of the commune concerned in cases where the sanitary protection zones for water supply areas span one province and the Provincial Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development of the concerned provinces in cases where the sanitary protection zones for water supply areas span two provinces or centrally-administered cities to organize the demarcation of the boundaries of the sanitary protection zones for water supply areas on-site.".

Article 4. Amend and supplement Article 13 as follows:

"Article 13. Organization to determine the boundaries of the sanitary protection zone for water supply areas on-site

1. In cases where the scope of the sanitary protection zone for water supply areas lies within the territory of one province

a) In cases where the scope of the sanitary protection zone for water supply areas lies within the territory of one commune, within thirty working days from the date of receipt of the decision approving the sanitary protection zone for water supply areas, the People's Committee of the commune shall send a notification letter regarding the time, location, and agencies involved in determining the boundaries of the sanitary protection zone on-site to the organizations and individuals investing, managing, and operating water extraction works, and shall take the lead and coordinate with relevant agencies and units to carry out the determination of the boundaries and the placement of signs indicating the sanitary protection zone for water supply areas on-site.

After completing the determination of the boundaries of the sanitary protection zone for water supply areas and installing signs indicating the sanitary protection zone for water supply areas on-site, the People's Committee of the commune shall notify the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development about the completion results.

b) In cases where the scope of the sanitary protection zone for water supply areas lies within the territory of two communes or more, within thirty working days from the date of the decision approving the sanitary protection zone for water supply areas, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development shall send a notification letter regarding the time, location, and agencies involved in determining the boundaries of the sanitary protection zone on-site to the People's Committees of the relevant communes, organizations and individuals investing, managing, and operating water extraction works, and shall take the lead and coordinate with relevant agencies and units to carry out the determination of the boundaries and the placement of signs indicating the sanitary protection zone for water supply areas on-site.

2. In cases where the scope of the sanitary protection zone for water supply areas lies within the territory of two provinces or centrally-administered cities or more

Within thirty working days from the date of receipt of the decision approving the sanitary protection zone for water supply areas, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development where the water extraction work is located shall send a notification letter regarding the time, location, and agencies involved in determining the boundaries of the sanitary protection zone on-site to the Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development of the relevant provinces, organizations and individuals investing, managing, and operating water extraction works, and shall take the lead and coordinate with relevant agencies and units to carry out the determination of the boundaries and the placement of signs indicating the sanitary protection zone for water supply areas on-site.

3. Organizations and individuals investing, managing, and operating water extraction works shall be responsible for coordinating in determining the boundaries and the placement of signs; implementing the installation of signs indicating the sanitary protection zone for water supply areas on-site."

Article 5. Amend and supplement Clause 3 of Article 14 as follows:

"3. The provincial People's Committee shall direct the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the People's Committee of the commune to perform the following tasks: determine the boundaries of the sanitary protection zone for water supply areas on-site; inspect and supervise activities within the sanitary protection zone for water supply areas of water extraction works within their jurisdiction; receive information and resolve issues arising related to the sanitary protection zone for water supply areas of water extraction works within their jurisdiction according to their authority."

Article 6. Amend and supplement Article 24 as follows:

"Article 24. Issuance of underground water protection plans

1. The provincial People's Committee shall direct the allocation of funds and direct the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to organize the investigation, statistics, compilation of information and data, and the drafting of the underground water protection plan for the province.

2. The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development shall seek written comments on the draft underground water protection plan from the Departments of Construction, Industry and Trade, Health, the People's Committee of the commune, and some organizations and individuals extracting and using underground water on a large scale within the province.

3. The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development shall complete the draft underground water protection plan based on the opinions of the agencies and units specified in Clause 2 of this Article and seek comments from the National Water Resources Management Agency.

4. The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development shall complete the draft Underground Water Protection Plan for submission to the provincial People's Committee for consideration and approval.

5. The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development shall update the underground water protection plan into the National Water Resources Information System and database within five working days after approval and organize its implementation."

Article 7. Amend and supplement certain clauses of Article 28 as follows:

1. Amend and supplement Clause 2 as follows:

"2. The dossier for seeking the opinion of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development on the artificial groundwater replenishment plan includes:

a) A request letter for seeking the opinion on the artificial groundwater replenishment plan;

b) The artificial groundwater replenishment plan as prescribed in Clause 1 of this Article;

c) Diagrams and drawings of the artificial groundwater replenishment works;

d) Other legal and technical documents related to the project (if any)."

2. Amend and supplement Clause 3 as follows:

"3. Seeking opinions on the artificial groundwater replenishment plan shall be carried out as follows:

a) Organizations and individuals submit one set of documents directly at the One-Stop Service Center or through postal services or via proxy in accordance with the law or online at the National Public Service Portal;

b) The agency receiving the documents shall be responsible for reviewing and checking the accuracy and completeness of the documents. For online submissions, the acceptance and review period shall be carried out in accordance with the law on administrative procedures; for direct submissions or through postal services, the acceptance and review process shall be completed within one working day.

If the documents are incomplete or inaccurate according to regulations, the agency receiving the documents shall guide the representative of the organization or individual to supplement and complete the documents and clearly inform them of the reasons. If the documents are valid, the agency receiving the documents shall transfer the documents to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development for comments.

c) Within eleven working days from the date of receipt of the complete documents as prescribed, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development shall provide written comments on the artificial groundwater replenishment plan to the organization or individual."

Article 8. Amend and supplement Article 29 as follows:

"Article 29. Soliciting opinions on the results of additional artificial groundwater operation trials

1. Within thirty days from the end date of the trial operation, organizations and individuals implementing additional artificial groundwater supplementation as stipulated in Point b Clause 1 of this Circular must report the results of the additional artificial groundwater operation trial to the Department of Agriculture and Environment for solicitation of opinions.

The main contents of the report on the results of the additional artificial groundwater operation trial include: description of the operation trial results; evaluation of compliance with requirements regarding the volume and quality of additional artificial groundwater.

2. Soliciting opinions on the report on the results of the additional artificial groundwater operation trial shall be carried out as follows:

a) Organizations and individuals submit one copy of the report on the results of the additional artificial groundwater operation trial as prescribed in Clause 1 directly at the One-Stop Service Center or through postal services or via authorization as prescribed by law or online at the National Public Service Portal;

b) The agency receiving the report has the responsibility to examine and verify the accuracy and completeness of the dossier. In cases of submission online, the time for receipt and verification shall be carried out according to the regulations of the law on administrative procedures; in cases of direct receipt or through postal services, the receipt and verification shall be completed within one working day.

If the report is incomplete or inaccurate as prescribed, the agency receiving the dossier will guide the representative of the organization or individual to supplement and complete the report and clearly inform the reasons to the organization or individual. If the report is valid, the agency receiving it will transfer the report to the Department of Agriculture and Environment for comments;

c) Within eleven working days from the date of receipt of the report on the results of the additional artificial groundwater operation trial, based on the plan for additional artificial groundwater supplementation, the results of the operation trial, the Department of Agriculture and Environment will provide written comments on the results of the operation trial of the additional artificial groundwater project and the compliance with requirements for formal operation and send them to the organization or individual."

Article 9. Amend and supplement Point d Clause 2 Article 31 as follows:

"d) For underground water extraction projects, they must implement monitoring activities to supervise water extraction as prescribed. In cases where underground water extraction projects must construct monitoring wells as prescribed, the location of the monitoring wells must ensure representativeness for the water extraction of the project and be reflected in the application dossier for water resource exploitation permits."

Article 10. Amend and supplement Clause 1 Article 32 as follows:

"1. Organizations and individuals conducting geological surveying of construction projects, foundation treatment of construction projects, underground construction projects; geological exploration, exploration, mining of minerals, oil and gas including drilling, excavation, and field testing activities, in addition to complying with relevant regulations, standards, technical norms, must fully comply with the requirements for protecting underground water as prescribed in Clause 1 of Article 31 of this Circular."

Article 11. Replace and abolish certain phrases as follows:

1. Replace the phrase "Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment" with the phrase "Ministry of Agriculture and Environment" in Clause 2 Article 19; Point a Clause 1 Article 31; Article 36.

2. Replace the phrase "Department of Natural Resources and Environment" with the phrase "Department of Agriculture and Environment" in Point a Clause 2 Article 19; Clause 1 Article 25; Clause 4 Article 26; Clause 3 Article 27; Article 30; Point a and Point b Clause 1 Article 34.

3. Replace the phrase "Technical and specialized planning" with the phrase "Detailed sectoral planning" in Clause 2 Article 3; Point c Clause 2 and Point b Clause 4 Article 4.

4. Replace the phrase "Comprehensive river basin planning" with the phrase "Comprehensive water resources and irrigation infrastructure planning for inter-provincial river basins" in Clause 1 Article 7; Clause 1 Article 19; Clause 1 Article 21; Clause 2 and Clause 3 Article 23 and Point a Clause 2 Article 25.

5. Abolish the phrase "Agriculture and Rural Development, Transport," in Clause 2 Article 19.

6. Add the phrase "and Clause 3" after the phrase "Clause 2" in Clause 3 Article 27.

Chapter II
AMENDMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTS TO CERTAIN ARTICLES OF CIRCULAR NO. 04/2024/TT-BTNMT DATED MAY 16, 2024 OF THE MINISTER OF THE MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT ON THE INSPECTION OF COMPLIANCE WITH WATER RESOURCE LAWS AND THE REVIEW AND ACCEPTANCE OF THE RESULTS OF BASIC WATER RESOURCE INVESTIGATIONS AMENDED AND SUPPLEMENTED BY CIRCULAR NO. 14/2025/TT-BNNMT DATED JUNE 19, 2025 OF THE MINISTER OF THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT ON DELEGATION, GRADING, DEFINING AUTHORITY AND AMENDING AND SUPPLEMENTING CERTAIN ARTICLES OF CIRCULARS IN THE FIELD OF WATER RESOURCES

Article 12. Amend and supplement Clause 2 Article 1 as follows:

"2. The following activities are not within the scope of regulation of this Circular:

a) Preventive inspection, detection, and struggle against violations of water resource laws by the People's Public Security forces;

b) Review and approval of project outlines; review and acceptance of project components during implementation; review and approval of final accounts of projects; certification of construction, measuring and monitoring equipment related to water resources;

c) Inter-agency inspections involving water resources."

Article 13. Amend and supplement Article 5 as follows:

"Article 5. Principles of inspection

1. Adhere to the principles stipulated in Article 4 of Decree No. 217/2025/NĐ-CP dated August 5, 2025 of the Government on specialized inspection activities.

2. Conducted according to the inspection plan; upon directive of the head of the competent state management authority or when signs of violation of the law are discovered."

Article 14. Amend and supplement Point a Clause 2 Article 6 as follows:

"a) Upon directive of the head of the competent state management authority; upon request or proposal of the competent authority or person;"

Article 15. Amend and supplement Clause 1 Article 7 as follows:

"1. The agency entrusted by the Minister of Agriculture and Environment to compile and advise on the main inspection work, in coordination with the Water Resource Management Agency, shall develop the annual inspection plan in the field of water resources, submit it to the Minister of Agriculture and Environment for approval in the annual plan of the Ministry.

The agency entrusted by the Minister of Agriculture and Environment to compile and advise on the main inspection work, and the Water Resource Management Agency shall conduct inspections of compliance with water resource laws according to the approved inspection plan; handle according to their authority or recommend handling of the inspection results according to the law; conduct surprise inspections when there is a basis as prescribed in Clause 2 Article 6 of this Circular. The conduct of surprise inspections shall be carried out as follows:

a) For cases prescribed in Point a and Point c Clause 2 Article 6 of this Circular, based on functions, tasks, authorities, and division of labor by the Minister of Agriculture and Environment, the agency entrusted by the Minister of Agriculture and Environment to perform inspection functions or the Water Resource Management Agency shall report to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment for consideration and decision on the establishment of a surprise inspection team;

b) For cases prescribed in Point b and Point d Clause 2 Article 6 of this Circular, the Water Resource Management Agency shall consider and decide on the establishment of a surprise inspection team or request the Department of Agriculture and Environment in the locality where the violation occurred to organize the inspection and report the results to the Water Resource Management Agency."

Article 16. Amend and supplement some points and clauses of Article 10 as follows:

1. Amend and supplement point b clause 2 as follows:

“b) The inspection decision includes the following main contents: basis for issuing the inspection decision, inspected subject, scope and content of inspection; form of inspection; time limit for inspection; members of the inspection team; tasks of the inspection team. The inspection decision shall be made according to Model No. 01 issued together with this Circular;”

2. Amend and supplement point c clause 2 as follows:

“c) The time limit for inspection by the team conducted by units under the Ministry shall not exceed 15 working days from the date of announcing the inspection decision, which may be extended once for no more than 7 working days;

The time limit for inspection by the team conducted by specialized agencies under provincial People's Committees shall not exceed 10 working days from the date of announcing the inspection decision, which may be extended once for no more than 5 working days;

The time limit for inspection by the team conducted by specialized agencies under district-level People's Committees shall not exceed 7 working days from the date of announcing the inspection decision, which may be extended once for no more than 3 working days.”

3. Amend and supplement point b clause 3 as follows:

“b) The plan to conduct inspections according to Model No. 03 issued together with this Circular, including the following contents: objectives, requirements, inspected subjects, inspection content, period of inspection, time of inspection, location, method of inspection, assignment of tasks to members of the inspection team, and estimated resources for inspection activities.”

Article 17. Amend and supplement some points and clauses of Article 11 as follows:

1. Amend and supplement clause 1 as follows:

“1. Announcing the inspection decision:

a) Within no more than 11 working days from the date of issuing the inspection decision, the head of the inspection team announces the inspection decision to the inspected subject. In necessary cases, the head of the inspection team may delegate the deputy head or member to announce the inspection decision.

For surprise inspections, if violations are discovered that require immediate inspection, the announcement of the inspection decision can be carried out after the violation record is established against the inspected subject;

b) Participants at the announcement session include: the inspection team; the inspected subject; representatives of local authorities (if necessary). If the inspected subject is absent, the head of the inspection team or the person authorized to announce the decision will make a record with the signature of a representative of the local authority where the inspection takes place and continue the inspection;

c) Contents of the announcement session include: the head of the inspection team or the deputy head authorized to announce the inspection decision and inform the work program; the legal representative of the inspected subject reports on the inspection contents as required by the inspection team’s outline;

d) The announcement of the inspection decision must be recorded in a minutes document, signed by the representative of the inspection team and the legal representative of the inspected subject. The minutes of the announcement of the inspection decision shall be made according to Model No. 04 issued together with this Circular;

e) Location for announcing the inspection decision: at the site of the water exploitation project; at the office of the inspected subject; at the office of the authority issuing the inspection decision; at the location specified in the inspection implementation plan.”

2. Amend and supplement clause 3 as follows:

“3. Direct inspection:

a) Collecting, evaluating documents, materials, samples (if any) related to the inspection content; inspecting the current status at the site of the water exploitation project or at the location where there are signs of violation (if necessary);

b) The direct inspection at the site shall be recorded in a minutes document. The minutes of the on-site inspection shall be made according to Model No. 05 issued together with this Circular.”.”.

3. Amend and supplement point a clause 5 as follows:

“a) During the inspection process, if violations of water resource laws are discovered, the head of the inspection team and members of the inspection team must request the inspected subject and related parties to immediately stop the violations. Violations must be stated in the work minutes as the basis for handling violations and shall be made according to Model No. 06 issued together with this Circular; if the inspected subject does not sign the inspection minutes, the minutes must have the signature of a representative of the commune-level authority where the violation occurred or of at least one witness confirming that the inspected subject did not sign the minutes;”

Article 18. Amend and supplement Article 12 as follows:

“Article 12. Extension of Inspection Time

1. Extension of inspection time when one of the following situations occurs:

a) Need to supplement or expand the inspected subject, content, and scope of inspection;

b) Complex inspection content requiring additional time to verify and clarify information;

c) Need additional time to appraise samples (if any) related to the inspection content;

d) Occurrence of force majeure reasons;

e) Difficulties in traveling to the inspection area.

2. Extension of inspection time can only be done once and the extension period shall be as stipulated in point c clause 2 of Article 10 of this Circular. The decision to extend the inspection period shall be made according to Model No. 02 issued together with this Circular.”

Article 19. Supplement point c into clause 1 of Article 13 as follows:

“c) Force majeure preventing the continuation of the inspection.”

Article 20. Amend and supplement Article 15 as follows:

“Article 15. Completion of Inspection

1. In case of necessity, no later than 11 working days from the end of the inspection or upon the request of the decision maker, the head of the inspection team shall prepare a report on the inspection results to submit to the decision maker. The report on the inspection results shall be made according to Model No. 10 issued together with this Circular.

2. No later than 8 working days from the date of receiving the report from the head of the inspection team, the decision maker shall instruct the preparation of a draft notification of the inspection results (if necessary). The time for preparing the draft notification of the inspection results is 16 working days from the date the decision maker assigns the preparation of the draft notification of the inspection results. The notification of the inspection results must clearly state strengths, weaknesses in compliance with relevant laws; results of handling weaknesses and violations (if any); requirements and recommendations for the inspected subject. The notification of the inspection results shall be made according to Model No. 11 issued together with this Circular.”

3. The decision maker shall organize written comments on the draft notification of the inspection results if necessary. The time for collecting comments shall not be included in the inspection period.

4. Within 11 working days from the date of receiving the draft notification of the inspection results, the decision maker shall sign and issue the notification of the inspection results.”

Article 21. Amend and supplement Clause 2 of Article 17 as follows:

"2. Responsibilities of agencies, organizations, and individuals implementing inspections:

a) Based on the approved inspection plan, the head of the agency assigned to conduct the inspection shall thoroughly examine all legal bases when issuing an inspection decision; bear responsibility for their decisions before the law and superior leadership.

The person issuing the inspection decision is responsible for organizing and directing the inspection team to ensure the principles stipulated in Clause 1 of Article 6 of this Circular, ensuring that the inspection is carried out in accordance with the law; directing and applying information technology and digital transformation in specialized inspection activities to save time, costs, and resources; ensuring that inspection activities are timely, effective, and meet management requirements; the head of the agency or unit with inspection authority shall comply with the provisions of Clause 2 of Article 7 of Decree No. 217/2025/NĐ-CP and shall not engage in prohibited acts as specified in Clause 1 of Article 5 of Decree No. 217/2025/NĐ-CP.

b) The head of the inspection team, deputy head of the inspection team, and members of the inspection team must fulfill their assigned responsibilities and the contents of the inspection decision; strictly adhere to information reporting systems and not provide information or documents related to inspection activities to those without responsibility; proactively assess the situation and promptly report recommendations for issues arising during implementation; refrain from exploiting inspections for personal gain, affecting normal operations, or infringing upon the legitimate rights and interests of the inspected entity; explain to the inspected entity to ensure they understand and comply with relevant legal regulations regarding the inspection when requested.

The head of the inspection team, deputy head of the inspection team, and members of the inspection team shall perform the duties and powers stipulated in Article 8 of Decree No. 217/2025/NĐ-CP and shall not engage in prohibited acts as specified in Clause 1 of Article 5 of Decree No. 217/2025/NĐ-CP."

Article 22. Amend and supplement Article 18 as follows:

"Article 18. Responsibilities of the inspected entity and related agencies, organizations, and individuals concerning the inspection content

1. The inspected entity has the responsibility to provide complete and timely information and documents related to the inspection content; report and explain according to the law; implement requests and recommendations of the inspection team and the authorized decision-maker according to the law.

The inspected entity has the rights and obligations stipulated in Article 9 of Decree No. 217/2025/NĐ-CP and shall not engage in prohibited acts as specified in Clause 2 of Article 5 of Decree No. 217/2025/NĐ-CP.

2. Agencies, organizations, units, and individuals related to the inspection content have the responsibility to provide complete and timely information and documents according to the inspection team's and the authorized decision-maker's requirements and have the rights according to relevant laws and responsibilities stipulated in Article 10 of Decree No. 217/2025/NĐ-CP and shall not engage in prohibited acts as specified in Clause 2 of Article 5 of Decree No. 217/2025/NĐ-CP."

Article 23. Replace, abolish, and supplement certain phrases as follows:

1. Replace the phrase "Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment" with the phrase "Ministry of Agriculture and Environment" in Clause 7 of Article 3; Clause 2 of Article 7; Clause 2 of Article 8; Article 20; Clause 1 of Article 21; Point d Clause 2 of Article 23; Clause 1 of Article 26; Clause 3 of Article 27; Clauses 2 and 3 of Article 28.

2. Replace the phrase "Department of Natural Resources and Environment" with the phrase "Department of Agriculture and Environment" in Clause 4 of Article 7; Clause 2 of Article 16; Clause 2 of Article 21; Point d Clause 2 of Article 23; Clause 2 of Article 28.

3. Replace the phrase "Natural Resources and Environment" with the phrase "Agriculture and Environment" in Clause 1 of Article 6; Clause 1 of Article 17.

4. Replace certain phrases in the attached templates as follows:

a) Replace the phrase "Inspection period is... days" with the phrase "Inspection period is... working days" in Template No. 01;

b) Replace the phrase "Extension period is... days" with the phrase "Extension period is... working days" in Template No. 02;

c) Replace the phrase "Purpose" with the phrase "Objective", the phrase "Method of conducting inspection" with the phrase "Approach of conducting inspection", and the phrase "Other content (if any)" with the phrase "Resources for inspection activities" in Template No. 03;

d) Replace the phrase "estimated" with the phrase "announced" in Template No. 04.

5. Abolish the phrase "Agriculture and Rural Development," in Clause 1 of Article 6; Clause 2 of Article 7; Clauses 2 and 3 of Article 8; Clause 1 of Article 17.

6. Supplement the phrase "Based on Circular No. 06/2026/TT-BNNMT dated January 17, 2026, issued by the Minister of Agriculture and Environment, amending and supplementing certain articles of circulars in the water resources sector"at Template No. 01, Template No. 02, Template No. 09, and Template No. 12."” at Form number 01, Form number 02, Form number 09, and Form number 12.”.

Chapter III
AMENDMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTS TO CERTAIN ARTICLES OF CIRCULAR NO. 05/2024/TT-BTNMT DATED MAY 16, 2024 ISSUED BY THE MINISTER OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT ON THE TRANSFER, CHANGE OF LOCATION, AND DISSOLUTION OF UNDERGROUND WATER MONITORING STATIONS AMENDED AND SUPPLEMENTED AT CIRCULAR NO. 14/2025/TT-BNNMT DATED JUNE 19, 2025 ISSUED BY THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT ON DELEGATION, GRADING, DEFINITION OF AUTHORITY, AND AMENDMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTS TO CERTAIN ARTICLES OF CIRCULARS IN THE WATER RESOURCES SECTOR

Article 24. Replace and abolish certain phrases as follows:

1. Replace the phrase "Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment" with the phrase "Ministry of Agriculture and Environment" in Article 13; Clauses 2 and 3 of Article 17.

2. Replace the phrase "Department of Natural Resources and Environment" with the phrase "Department of Agriculture and Environment" in Clause 2 of Article 14.

3. Replace the phrase "Comprehensive planning for basic investigation of water resources" with the phrase "Integrated planning for water resources and irrigation infrastructure in inter-provincial river basins" in Clause 1 of Article 10 and Point b Clause 4 of Article 13.

4. Abolish the phrase "People's Committee of the district," in Point d Clause 4 of Article 13 and Point d Clause 2 of Article 14.

Chapter IV
AMENDMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTS TO CERTAIN ARTICLES OF CIRCULAR NO. 22/2024/TT-BTNMT DATED NOVEMBER 26, 2024 ISSUED BY THE MINISTER OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT ON NATIONAL TECHNICAL REGULATIONS FOR ABANDONED WELL SEALING AMENDED AND SUPPLEMENTED AT CIRCULAR NO. 14/2025/TT-BNNMT DATED JUNE 19, 2025 ISSUED BY THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENT ON DELEGATION,GRADING, DEFINITION OF AUTHORITY, AND AMENDMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTS TO CERTAIN ARTICLES OF CIRCULARS IN THE WATER RESOURCES SECTOR

Article 25. Amend and supplement Section 3.1 of the National Technical Regulation on Plugging Unused Wells issued together as follows:

“3.1. Notification of Well Plugging

Organizations, households, and individuals (hereinafter referred to collectively as well owners) with wells to be plugged must implement notifications as follows:

3.1.1. For organizational wells: for wells falling under the cases specified in Points 1.1.1 and 1.1.3 of Part I of this Regulation, within a minimum period of ten (10) days before the construction date for plugging unused wells, the well owner shall submit a written notification along with the well plugging plan for unused wells according to the form prescribed in Appendix A attached to this Regulation to the Department of Agriculture and Environment where the well is located.

3.1.2. For household and individual wells: within a minimum period of ten (10) days before the construction date for plugging unused wells, the well owner shall submit a written notification of plugging unused wells according to the form prescribed in Appendix B attached to this Regulation to the People's Committee of the commune, ward, or special administrative zone (hereinafter referred to collectively as the People's Committee of the commune) where the well is located.”

Article 26. Amend and supplement Section V of the National Technical Regulation on Plugging Unused Wells issued together as follows:

“V. IMPLEMENTATION

1. Ministries, ministerial-level agencies, government agencies, provincial People's Committees, and related organizations, households, and individuals are responsible for implementing this National Technical Regulation.

2. The Director of the Water Resources Management Agency is responsible for disseminating and inspecting the implementation of this National Technical Regulation.

3. Annually, before December 15, the People's Committee of the commune shall compile a list of plugged wells in its jurisdiction and send it to the Department of Agriculture and Environment for consolidation.

4. Annually (before January 30 of the following year), the Department of Agriculture and Environment shall report to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (through the Water Resources Management Agency) and the provincial People's Committee on the implementation of plugging unused wells in its jurisdiction.

5. During the implementation process, if there are any difficulties, relevant agencies, organizations, and individuals are requested to promptly reflect them to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment for consideration and decision.”

Article 27. Replace and abolish certain phrases as follows:

1. Replace the phrase "Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment" with the phrase "Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development" in Clause 3, Article 4 of the Circular.

2. Replace the phrase "Department of Natural Resources and Environment" with the phrase "Department of Agriculture and Rural Development" in Point 3.6.1 of Section II; Clause 2 and Clause 5 of Section III; and Appendix D of the National Technical Regulation on Plugging Unused Wells issued together.

3. Remove the term "district/" from the tables in Appendices B, D, and Đ of the National Technical Regulation on Plugging Unused Wells issued together.

Chapter V
IMPLEMENTATION PROVISIONS

Article 28. Implementation Provisions

1. This Circular takes effect from January 17, 2026.

2. From the date this Circular takes effect, Circular
No. 14/2025/TT-BNNMT dated June 19, 2025, of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development stipulating delegation, decentralization, determination of authority, and amendment and supplementation of some articles of Circulars in the water resources sector ceases to be effective except for the provisions in Clause 1 and Clause 3 of Article 29 of this Circular.

Article 29. Transitional Provisions

1. Determination, approval, and announcement of the scope of the sanitary protection zones for drinking water supply areas, organization of determining the boundaries of the sanitary protection zones on-site being carried out before the date this Circular takes effect shall continue to be implemented according to Circular No. 03/2024/TT-BTNMT dated May 16, 2024, of the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment detailing the implementation of some articles of the Law on Water Resources amended and supplemented by Circular No. 14/2025/TT-BNNMT dated June 19, 2025, of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development stipulating delegation, decentralization, determination of authority, and amendment and supplementation of some articles of Circulars in the water resources sector.

2. In case the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development receives files seeking opinions on artificial groundwater replenishment plans or files seeking opinions on the trial operation results of artificial groundwater replenishment facilities and compliance with requirements for formal operation before the date this Circular takes effect, the time for providing opinions shall be implemented according to Circular No. 03/2024/TT-BTNMT dated May 16, 2024, of the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment detailing the implementation of some articles of the Law on Water Resources.

3. Inspection plans for compliance with laws on water resources, inspection plans containing contents related to compliance with laws on water resources, and inspection teams for compliance with laws on water resources established before the date this Circular takes effect shall continue to conduct inspections and handle inspection results according to Circular No. 04/2024/TT-BTNMT dated May 16, 2024, of the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment detailing the inspection of compliance with laws on water resources and the review and acceptance of the results of basic investigations of water resources amended and supplemented by Circular No. 14/2025/TT-BNNMT dated June 19, 2025, of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development stipulating delegation, decentralization, determination of authority, and amendment and supplementation of some articles of Circulars in the water resources sector until completion.

Article 30. Responsibility for Implementation

1. Ministries, ministerial-level agencies, government agencies, provincial People's Committees, units directly under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development of provinces and centrally-administered cities, and related organizations and individuals are responsible for implementing this Circular.

2. During the implementation of this Circular, if there are any difficulties, relevant agencies, organizations, and individuals are requested to promptly reflect them to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development for consideration and resolution.”