Circular No. 42/2015/TT-BTNMT on technical regulations for water resource planning

CIRCULAR

Technical regulations on water resource planningspecialized agency under the People's Committee of the province/city.

________________

 

Based on the Water Resources Law dated March 21,June 2024;2012;

Pursuant to DecreeNo. Decree No. 21/2013/NĐ-CP dated March 4, 2013 of the Government,"b) In addition to the lists of public services issued according to the provisions of Clause 2, Article 4 of this Decree, specialized agencies under provincial People's Committees shall report to the provincial People's Committee for decision-making on amending, supplementing, or issuing the list of public services funded by the state budget within their jurisdiction and consistent with the local budget capacity within the approved budget by the Provincial People's Assembly, and send it to the Ministry of Finance and relevant ministries and sectors for supervision during implementation.""4. As of March 31, 2021, credit card issuers that issue cards with BINs issued by the State Bank of Vietnam must comply with the Domestic Chip Card Standard."onof the State Treasury;, amended and supplemented by Decree No. 109/2025/NĐ-CP and Decree No. 193/2025/NĐ-CP 职责的职能由自然资源与环境部履行；

At the proposal of the Director of the Water Resource Management Agency, the General Director of the National Water Resources Planning and Investigation Center, the Head of the Science and Technology Department, and the Head of the Legal Affairs Department;onThe Minister of Natural Resources and Environment issues this Circular on Technical Regulations for Water Resource Planning.

This Circular stipulates the technical contents and products of the preparation of water resource planning tasks; planning for water resources in the following areas:

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

1. Inter-provincial river basins.

2. Inter-provincial water sources.

3. Water resources of provinces and centrally governed cities.

This Circular applies to state agencies, organizations, and individuals related to the preparation of water resource planning tasks and water resource planning.

Article 2. Applicability

Determining the function of water sources

Article 3. Explanation of Terms

In this Circular, the following terms shall be understood as follows:

1. is the process of identifying the purposes of water use based on the benefits of water sources for each section of the river, each aquifer layer, or the entire water source during the planning period. Quantity of water

2. to be allocatedshall is the amount of water used for allocation to water users. Allocation point

3. is the location on the water source where the quantity of water is determined and monitored during the allocation process to water users. Water resource development works

4. are works that increase the amount of usable water. Underground water supply area

5. is the surface area of the aquifer directly supplied by rainfall and surface water. Article 4. Hierarchical order of water resource planning

1. Water resource planning follows the hierarchical order as follows:

a) National-level comprehensive water resource planning;

b) Water resource planning for inter-provincial river basins and inter-provincial water sources;

c) Water resource planning for provinces and centrally governed cities.

2. Lower-level water resource planning must be consistent with higher-level water resource planning that has been approved.

3. Specialized planning involving the exploitation and use of water resources prepared by ministries, sectors, and localities must be consistent with water resource planning.

Article 5. Objectives of water resource planning

1. Ensuring fairness and rationality among regions and groups of water users; among administrative regions; between upstream and downstream areas.

2. Prioritizing water resources for strategic development, stable social welfare, and international agreements.

3. Balancing the exploitable water volume and water demand while considering natural fluctuations in water sources to avoid chronic or unforeseen water shortages.

4. Protecting ecosystems dependent on water, important functions of water sources, and restoring depleted or exhausted water sources.

5. Preventing, reducing, and mitigating adverse effects caused by water.

6. Enhancing the efficient use of existing water resources.

Article 6. Requirements for materials used in water resource planning

1. Must have a clear origin, published or provided by authorized agencies.

2. Must ensure continuity and consistency from the preparation of planning tasks to different planning contents within water resource planning.

3. The level of detail of materials serving water resource planning is specified in Appendix 01 of this Circular.

PREPARATION OF WATER RESOURCE PLANNING TASKS

Chapter II

ESTABLISH THE TASK OF WATER RESOURCES PLANNING

Article 7. General assessment of natural and socio-economic characteristics

1. The general natural characteristics of the region for planning tasks include the following contents:

a) Geographic location, boundaries, length of border lines, coastline (if any);

b) Total natural area, distribution ratio of various landforms, average height; slope direction;

c) Main geological formations;

d) Area and ratio of different types of forests;

đ) Climate and meteorological features;

e) Scenic spots, tourist areas, conservation zones, natural heritage sites.

2. The general socio-economic characteristics include the following contents:

a) Administrative units and administrative areas of provinces and districts within the region for planning tasks;

b) Total population, population classification, population density, population growth rate;

c) Special difficult regions, policy regions, revolutionary base regions;

d) Main economic sectors and their contribution ratios to GDP and provincial and central budgets;

đ) Current land use status and land use planning;

e) Crop and livestock structure;

g) Orientation for socio-economic development.

Article 8. General assessment of current water resource status

1. Brief description of river, stream, canal, creek, lake, pond, and reservoir systems, and water-bearing layers:

a) Upstream and downstream locations, lengths of main rivers, streams, canals, and creeks, and administrative units through which water flows;

b) Geographic location and area of lakes, ponds, and reservoirs;

c) Distribution range, depth, and thickness of main water-bearing layers.

2. Assessment of current surface water status:

a) Annual average water volume at fixed monitoring points in the region for planning tasks;

b) Monthly average flow distribution;

c) Yearly flow variation over many years;

d) Total capacity of lakes, ponds, and reservoirs;

đ) Preliminary assessment of water quality in main rivers, streams, canals, creeks, lakes, ponds, and reservoirs in the region for planning tasks.

3. Preliminary assessment of storage volume and water quality of main water-bearing layers in the region for planning tasks.

Article 9. General assessment of water exploitation, utilization, protection of water resources, prevention, control, and mitigation of adverse effects caused by water

1. General assessment of water resource exploitation and utilization:

a) Ratio of urban and rural populations supplied with water;

b) Water usage in agriculture, aquaculture, major industries, daily life, and services;

c) Water usage structure;

d) Main water sources exploited and utilized;

đ) Monitoring station system related to water quantity;

e) Conflicts and competition in water exploitation and utilization.

2. General assessment of water resource protection:

a) Monitoring station system related to water quality;

b) Types and methods of discharging pollutants into water sources; ratio of permitted entities compared to those required to apply for permits;

c) Ratio of treated wastewater;

d) Situation of water source degradation and pollution;

đ) Measures and policies for protecting water resources in the region for planning tasks.

3. General assessment of prevention, control, and mitigation of adverse effects caused by water:

a) Summary of riverbank erosion areas, subsidence areas, and saline intrusion areas due to groundwater exploration and extraction;

b) Preliminary determination of the scope affected by water damage, community and infrastructure areas, and socio-economic sectors frequently or severely impacted by water damage;

c) Summary of engineering and non-engineering measures for preventing, controlling, and mitigating adverse effects caused by water.

Article 10. Preliminary determination of the functions of water sources

1. Evaluate the main purposes of exploiting and using water for each water source according to the following contents:

a) The total volume of water exploited and used annually and during the dry season;

b) Contribution ratio to GDP, provincial and central budget;

c) Creating employment opportunities for local residents;

d) Main production activities dependent on water sources;

đ) Population supplied with domestic water from water sources;

e) Exploitation and use of water in accordance with State decisions;

g) Bilateral, regional agreements and organizations related to the exploitation and use of water sources.

2. Rank the priorities of the purposes of exploiting and using water according to the contents stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article and determine the main functions of water sources.

Article 11. Preliminary determination of water usage needs

1. Estimate and compile water usage needs:

a) Estimate the water usage needs of sectors using water for the main water sources currently being exploited and used;

b) Compile the water usage needs of localities within the region planning the task.

2. Basis for determining water usage needs:

a) Current quotas, standards, and regulations on water usage of economic and social sectors;

b) In cases where there are no provisions on water usage standards, the determination of water usage needs is based on the current status of water exploitation and usage and the socio-economic development orientation of localities within the region planning the task.

Article 12. Determination of issues to be resolved in water exploitation and usage, protection of water resources, prevention, control, and mitigation of adverse effects caused by water

1. Determine issues to be resolved in the exploitation and usage of water resources:

a) Competition in water exploitation and usage between localities; between sectors; between localities and sectors;

b) Water shortage situations, water scarcity, and affected water users;

c) Time and areas experiencing water shortages.

2. Determine issues to be resolved in the protection of water resources:

a) Regions of aquatic ecosystems and recharge areas that have deteriorated affecting water sources;

b) River sections with altered riverbeds, banks, and beaches;

c) Water sources with water quality not meeting usage purposes;

d) Water sources requiring conservation and maintenance of essential aquatic ecosystems;

đ) Water sources affected by deterioration impacting historical and cultural sites, scenic spots, cultural, sports, and religious activities.

3. Determine issues to be resolved in the prevention, control, and mitigation of adverse effects caused by water:

a) Areas experiencing riverbank erosion due to riverbed modification, construction of hydraulic works, sand and gravel extraction, and other mineral extraction activities on rivers; waterway transportation activities;

b) Areas experiencing land subsidence due to groundwater drilling and extraction activities;

c) Water sources experiencing saltwater intrusion due to the operation of freshwater barriers, reservoirs, flow regulation structures; groundwater exploration and extraction; extraction of brackish and saline water.

4. Determine the priority order for resolving water resource issues based on the scale and impact on people's lives, socio-economic development, and water resource protection; transboundary, regional, and inter-provincial considerations.

Article 13. Determining the Object, Scope, Objectives, and Content of Planning

1. Determine the scope and boundaries of water sources to be planned.

2. The planning objectives must address one or a group of identified water resource issues; they must be feasible, have specific timeframes, and specify the level of achievement required.

3. The contents of water resource planning are determined based on water resource issues, priority order for resolution, and central and local resources.

Article 14. Solutions, Budgets, Plans, and Progress of Planning

1. Solutions and budgets for planning:

a) Determine solutions regarding technology and techniques suitable for planning requirements;

b) Determine tasks and mechanisms for coordination among sectors, localities, and related parties in planning;

c) Determine budgets corresponding to each planning content.

2. Develop plans and progress schedules for planning.

Article 15. Products of Planning Task Assignment

1. A detailed report on the planning task assignment for water resources according to the model prescribed in Appendix 02 of this Circular.

2. Maps of the planning task assignment for water resources:

a) Minimum scale of 1:200,000 for river basin water resource planning across provinces and inter-provincial water sources;

b) Minimum scale of 1:100,000 for provincial and centrally-administered city water resource planning.

3. Outline of water resource planning.

Chapter III

WATER DISTRIBUTION

Article 16. Principles of Water Distribution

1. Water distribution must be linked with economic and social development planning, taking into account water extraction and utilization planning for various sectors and water transfer requirements if applicable.

2. The level of detail in planning depends on existing documentation, water scarcity, and competition over water usage within the planning region.

3. The amount of water that can be distributed must be determined before allocating it to water users.

4. Minimum flow must be ensured before determining the amount of water that can be distributed.

5. Priorities for water use in social stability, strategic development, and international agreements must be secured before allocating water to users.

6. The effectiveness of water use purposes in water-scarce areas must be evaluated during water distribution.

7. Specific water distribution schemes must be developed to suit annual and seasonal water fluctuations.

8. Annual water allocation schemes must be established to share water among regions and water users.

9. Water distribution schemes must be flexible to proactively respond to unforeseen situations due to climate change and medium- to long-term economic and social development.

Article 17. Main Factors to Consider When Distributing Water

1. Actual water usage by water users:

a) Water usage for each purpose;

b) Current water demand;

c) Water usage efficiency, economic value of water usage;

d) Water source function.

2. Dependence on water sources of water users.

3. Area of the region compared to the total area of the planning region.

4. Population of the region compared to the total population of the planning region.

5. Water contribution of the region compared to the total allocable water in the planning region.

6. Water demand for GDP growth of regions and sector growth according to economic and social development plans.

7. Value added per unit of water used.

Article 18. Collection and supplementary investigation of documents related to water resource allocation

1. Collection and supplementary investigation of documents shall be conducted to obtain detailed information on: Characteristics of water resources; current water usage status; water demand to meet economic and social development plans and stabilize living conditions in the planning area; quantity of water for implementing inter-basin water use agreements and international agreements.

2. Types of documents and the level of detail of supplementary collected documents are specified in Appendix 01 of this Circular.

Article 19. Assessment of total water resource volume

The total volume of water resources includes the total surface water resources, the total groundwater resources, and the volume of water transferred to the basin, which are determined specifically as follows:

1. The total volume of surface water at the allocation point is determined based on the average annual flow at the allocation point.

2. The total volume of groundwater is determined based on natural dynamic storage, natural static storage, artificial additional storage, and convective storage.

3. The volume of water transferred to the basin is determined at the allocation point based on the actual average annual flow transferred to the basin.

Article 20. Determination of usable water volume

Usable water volume includes the total usable surface water and the stable exploitable groundwater volume, which are determined specifically as follows:

1. Usable surface water volume is determined based on the total surface water resources minus the volume of water transferred out of the basin and the floodwater that cannot be stored.

2. Stable exploitable groundwater volume is determined based on the amount of water that can be extracted from aquifers without causing degradation, depletion of water sources, and environmental changes beyond permissible levels.

3. Calculation of usable water volume is performed monthly, annually, during rainy seasons, and dry seasons according to different frequencies.

Article 21. Minimum Flow Assurance Volume

1. The minimum flow assurance volume is determined at the allocation point and must be established before water resource allocation.

2. The minimum flow at the allocation point must meet the following requirements:

a) Ensuring maintenance of flow and water quality in rivers;

b) Ensuring normal development of aquatic ecosystems;

c) Ensuring the minimum level for water extraction and utilization activities of water users.

Article 22. Identification of Backup Water Sources for Domestic Water Supply in Case of Water Pollution Incidents

1. Identification of domestic water supply sources with potential risks of pollution incidents in areas of special economic and social importance.

2. Determination of backup water volume:

a) Minimum water demand for domestic use and the number of people supplied with domestic water;

b) Duration of possible backup water supply;

c) Total backup water volume.

3. Identification of backup water sources as follows:

a) Nearby water sources capable of meeting domestic needs in case of polluted water source incidents;

b) Locations where exploitation and use are feasible.

Article 23. Water Volume Ensuring Essential Needs Before Allocation, amended and supplemented by Decree No. 109/2025/NĐ-CP and Decree No. 193/2025/NĐ-CP

1. Minimum water volume for drinking and daily use.

2. Water volume ensuring continued production activities dependent on water resources in rural areas.

3. Water volume allocated for national strategic development goals and regional development strategies.

4. Water volume stipulated in inter-provincial and international agreements.

5. Backup water volume for domestic water supply in case of water pollution incidents.

Article 24. Determination of the Quantity of Water for Allocation

The quantity of water for allocation is determined based on the usable water volume minus the minimum flow guarantee, the volume of water ensuring essential needs, calculated for each time point; taking into account additional water from exploitation and utilization works, regulation works, and water resource development projects within the planning period.

Article 25. Evaluation of Actual Water Usage by Water Users

1. Determine the monthly and annual volumes of water extracted and used, including:

a) The total volume of water extracted and used from each water source;

b) The ratio between the actual volume of water extracted and used compared to the usable volume of water from each water source;

c) The volume of water extracted and used by water users across the entire planning region.

2. Evaluate the current level of satisfaction of water usage needs for various purposes according to each water source.

3. Assess the efficiency of water usage according to different water usage purposes.

Article 26. Forecasting Water Demand

Forecast water demand for water users on a monthly and annual basis as follows:

1. Review, evaluate, and compile water demand based on approved economic and social plans and master plans suitable for the planning period.

2. In cases where there are no master plans for sectors using water, forecast water demand during the planning period based on standards for water usage in economic and social sectors.

Article 27. Functional Zoning of Water Sources

Based on the preliminary determination of the functions of water sources during the stage of formulating planning tasks and directions for water extraction and use during the planning period, functional zoning of water sources is carried out as follows:

1. Determine the scope of water usage purposes for each water source.

2. Determine the requirements for water sources to meet usage purposes according to planning objectives.

3. Compile the purposes of water usage, requirements for water sources, and functional zoning of each water source.

Article 28. Priority Order for Water Allocation

The priority order for water allocation is determined by region and purpose of water use. Based on watershed characteristics and the scale of the planning region, the priority order is determined according to the following criteria:

1. Priority allocation by region:

a) Based on agreements on water use between regions;

b) According to decisions made by competent authorities.

2. Priority allocation according to the main purposes of water use as follows:

a) Domestic use;

b) Agricultural production;

c) Aquaculture;

d) Electricity production;

đ) Industrial production;

e) Waterway transportation;

g) Preservation of cultural and historical values, environmental improvement;

h) Mineral extraction and processing.

Article 29. Determination of Water Allocated to Water Extraction and Usage Subjects

Based on the quantity of water for allocation determined for each month, season, and year with different frequencies at the allocation points, and considering the factors required when allocating as stipulated in Article 17 of this Circular, determine the quantity of water allocated to users within the planning region.

Article 30. Determination of Water Allocated to Water Extraction and Usage Subjects in Cases of Severe Drought and Water Shortage

1. When allocating water resources to water users, specific allocation plans must be established for cases of severe drought and water shortage.

2. The quantity of water allocated to water extraction and usage subjects in cases of severe drought and water shortage must be determined at water intake locations from river sections, lakes, and aquifer layers in the following sequence:

a) Identify the affected areas and timing of the drought and water shortage;

b) Identify the affected water users and the extent of their impact;

c) Determine the minimum amount of water needed for drinking and domestic use;

d) Determine the minimum amount of water that must be reserved for remaining water users.

Article 31. Determining Water Resource Regulation, Exploitation, Utilization, and Development Works

In cases where necessary, water resource regulation, exploitation, utilization, and development works shall be determined based on the following contents:

1. The amount of water shortage in sub-regions.

2. The time when water shortage occurs.

3. The type, mission, and location of water resource regulation, exploitation, utilization, and development works.

Article 32. Determining Water Transfer Requirements

In cases where the water allocation in a watershed or sub-watershed is insufficient to meet usage needs and there is no possibility to construct additional water development works within the planning period, the water transfer requirements shall be determined as follows:

1. Water transfer requirements between sub-watersheds within a river basin:

a) Identify sub-watersheds with water scarcity that require water transfer during the planning period;

b) Identify sub-watersheds capable of transferring water to adjacent water-scarce sub-watersheds;

c) Determine the source of water, transfer location, and quantity of water that can be transferred;

d) Preliminarily determine the economic benefits of water transfer;

đ) Determine the impact of water transfer on water exploitation, usage, maintaining flow, flood control, and environmental impacts, especially during dry seasons.

2. Determining inter-basin water transfer requirements

Review the appropriateness of inter-basin water transfers related to the planned area already identified in the national water resources plan, and propose adjustments (if any).

Article 33. Water Resources Monitoring Network, Exploitation, and Usage

1. The water resources monitoring network for exploitation and usage aims to obtain information about the current state of water sources and to monitor the allocated water volume for users to facilitate water resource distribution management.

2. Determine the monitoring network including: Location, parameters, timing, and frequency of observation.

3. Basis for determining observation locations:

a) Diversion points and confluence points of rivers;

b) Aquifer characteristics;

c) Hydrological and water resources observation stations;

d) Administrative boundaries;

đ) Water exploitation, usage, and development works;

e) Backup water sources for priority development sectors.

4. Develop investment plans and management for observation stations and identify relevant organizations responsible for monitoring water resources and water exploitation and usage.

Chapter IV

WATER RESOURCE PROTECTION

Article 34. Principles of Water Resource Protection

1. Water resource protection must prioritize prevention; it must protect natural water sources, water quality, aquatic ecosystems, and contribute to preserving cultural values and natural landscapes.

2. Water resource protection must be integrated with water allocation; prevent, mitigate, and address adverse effects caused by water; and consider the plans of various sectors for water exploitation and usage.

3. Preventive measures against water source degradation and depletion must be flexible to proactively respond to unforeseen water pollution incidents due to medium- and long-term socio-economic development.

4. Water quality protection must align with water usage purposes, prioritizing important water sources for social stability and international agreements.

5. The level of detail in the plan depends on available data and issues needing resolution in water resource protection during the planning period.

Article 35. Collection and supplementary investigation of documents related to water resource protection

1. Collect and investigate documents to obtain detailed information on: Surface water sources; polluted, degraded, and depleted water sources; water sources that need conservation.

2. Types of documents and the level of detail of supplementary collected documents are specified in Appendix 01 of this Circular.

Section 1

PROTECTION OF SURFACE WATER SOURCES

Article 36. Protection and development of forests

1. Establish a list of upstream protective forest areas that have been degraded and affect water resources within the planning area.

2. Prioritize the order for protecting and restoring upstream protective forest areas that have been degraded.

3. Determine the objectives and requirements for protecting and developing upstream protective forest areas.

Article 37. Protection of lakes, swamps, wetlands

1. Establish a list of lakes, swamps, wetlands with functions to regulate water sources; high value in biodiversity conservation and cultural preservation; important for economic and social development activities and environmental protection within the planning area. The list includes the following main contents:

a) Name and location;

b) Perimeter and area;

c) Function and importance of water sources.

2. Identify lakes, swamps, wetlands that have been degraded, encroached upon, or filled in.

3. Develop plans to protect, restore, and improve degraded, encroached upon, or filled-in lakes, swamps, and wetlands.

Article 38. Protection of underground water recharge zones

1. Identify areas and aquifers that need to be protected as underground water recharge zones within the planning area.

2. Determine the location and scope of underground water recharge zones that need to be protected within the planning area.

3. Prioritize the order for protecting and restoring degraded underground water recharge zones.

4. Argue and propose solutions for protecting, restoring, and improving underground water recharge zones.

5. Develop plans to protect, restore, and improve underground water recharge zones.

Section 2

PREVENTION OF DEGRADATION AND EXHAUSTION AND RESTORATION OF UNDERGROUND WATER RESOURCES

Article 39. Prevention of degradation and exhaustion of underground water resources

1. Analyze and assess the degree of groundwater level decline within the planning area.

2. Determine the permissible groundwater level decline for aquifers within the planning area.

3. Identify areas where the groundwater level is at risk of declining beyond permissible levels.

4. Determine the total amount of water extracted from wells in areas where the groundwater level is at risk of declining beyond permissible levels.

5. Propose extraction limits in areas where the groundwater level is at risk of declining beyond permissible levels.

Article 40. Restoration of degraded and exhausted underground water resources

1. Identify aquifers and areas with groundwater levels declining beyond permissible levels.

2. Determine the total amount of water extracted from aquifers with groundwater levels declining beyond permissible levels.

3. Determine the priority order and restoration targets for aquifers with groundwater levels declining beyond permissible levels during the planning period.

4. Determine extraction limits and propose reduction plans in areas with groundwater levels declining beyond permissible levels.

5. Propose measures to replenish underground water.

Section 3

WATER QUALITY PROTECTION

Article 41. Protection of surface water quality

1. Functional zoning of each water source in cases where the water resource planning does not implement water allocation content.

2. Determine water quality criteria for each water source that has not met or may not meet water usage purposes.

3. Evaluate water quality according to current water usage purposes and water quality trends during the planning period.

4. Define the scope of water sources with water quality that has not met or may not meet water usage purposes.

5. Identify the main causes of water quality criteria not meeting water usage purposes, including:

a) Pollution sources containing criteria determined under Clause 2 of this Article;

b) Total quantity of pollutants.

6. Determine threshold limits on quantities and concentrations of pollutants at discharge sources and receiving water bodies to meet water usage purposes during the planning period.

7. Determine requirements for preventing and controlling pollution of water sources during the planning period.

8. Determine measures to restore water sources with water quality that has not met water usage purposes, as follows:

a) Engineering works to treat and prevent pollution of water sources;

b) Non-engineering measures to limit and reduce water pollution sources.

Article 42. Protection of Groundwater Quality

1. Identify water quality criteria of groundwater layers that have not met the intended water usage purposes.

2. Evaluate water quality based on current water usage purposes and the trend of water quality changes during the planning period.

3. Determine the main causes leading to water quality criteria not meeting the intended usage purposes, including:

a) Natural conditions of the groundwater layer;

b) Economic and social development activities causing water pollution.

4. Determine requirements for protecting water quality during the planning period.

5. Determine measures to protect the quality of groundwater layers, including:

a) Engineering works to treat and prevent pollutants from entering water sources;

b) Non-engineering measures to limit and reduce pollution sources.

Section 4

PROTECTION OF WATER RESOURCES TO BE CONSERVED

Article 43. Establishing a List of Water Resources to be Conserved

1. Water resources related to religious and belief activities recognized by the community as sacred or used for religious and belief-related festivals.

2. Water resources associated with cultural conservation activities linked to scenic spots, traditional local historical and cultural relics, national heritage sites.

3. Water resources related to sports and entertainment areas planned for recreational purposes.

4. Water resources of high value for biodiversity, closely tied to the habitats of species listed as endangered, precious, and rare, which require priority protection.

5. Water resources reserved for scientific research, natural conservation, and landscape preservation.

Article 44. Maintaining and Restoring Degraded Water Resources to be Conserved

1. Identify the causes and extent of pollution, degradation, and depletion of water resources to be conserved:

a) Identify activities causing or posing a risk of water pollution;

b) Assess the impact of major activities causing or posing a risk of water pollution;

c) Identify water users and extractors who pose a risk or are currently reducing or depleting water resources;

d) Assess the impact of major water users and extractors who pose a risk or are currently degrading or depleting water resources.

2. Determine the requirements for maintaining and restoring the quantity and quality of water resources to be conserved during the planning period:

a) Assess the current status of water quantity and quality;

b) Calculate the requirements for maintaining and restoring water quantity and quality.

3. Determine measures to restore water resources to be conserved:

a) Engineering works to restore water quantity and quality;

b) Non-engineering measures to restore water quantity and quality; control activities causing degradation and depletion of water resources.

4. Determine the priority order for restoring water resources to be conserved.

5. Develop plans and assign responsibilities to relevant parties for maintaining and restoring water resources to be conserved.

Section 5

WATER QUALITY MONITORING SYSTEM

Article 45. Water Quality Monitoring Network and Wastewater Discharge Monitoring Network

1. The water quality monitoring network and wastewater discharge monitoring network have the task of providing information to monitor pollution prevention and mitigation efforts; control activities posing risks of pollution, degradation, and depletion of water resources to be conserved; control the quality of receiving waters for wastewater.

2. Factors determining the water quality monitoring network and wastewater discharge monitoring network include:

a) Water resource functions;

b) Characteristics of water resources;

c) Hydrological, water resource, and environmental monitoring stations;

d) Administrative boundaries;

d) Density, distribution, and scale of wastewater discharge sources;

e) Backup water resources in case of water pollution.

3. Determine the location, parameters, timing, and frequency of monitoring for the monitoring network.

4. Develop investment and construction plans for the monitoring network and organize its implementation for water quality and wastewater discharge monitoring.

Chapter V

PREVENTION, CONTROL AND REMEDIATION OF DAMAGE CAUSED BY WATER DAMAGES CAUSED BY WATER

Article 46. Principles for Prevention, Control, and Mitigation of Harm Caused by Water

1. Prevention, control, and mitigation of harm caused by water must prioritize prevention; protect riverbeds, banks, and shores; ensure flow continuity; prevent land subsidence and saline intrusion into aquifers.

2. Prevention, control, and mitigation of harm caused by water must be integrated with water resource protection, water extraction and utilization activities; take into account related sector planning.

3. Prevention, control, and mitigation of consequences of harm caused by water must be proactive, timely responsive, and effectively address the harm caused by water.

4. The level of detail in planning depends on available data and issues to be addressed in prevention, control, and mitigation of harm caused by water during the planning period.

5. Preventive measures must be flexible to proactively respond to unforeseen situations due to medium and long-term socio-economic development impacts.

6. Mitigation measures for the consequences of harm caused by water must be appropriate to the technical level and economic resources during the planning period.

Article 47. Collection and Supplementary Investigation of Materials Related to Prevention, Control, and Mitigation of Harm Caused by Water

1. Collect and conduct supplementary investigations to obtain detailed information on: riverbed erosion and bank collapse; land subsidence; saline intrusion.

2. Types of documents and the level of detail of supplementary collected documents are specified in Appendix 01 of this Circular.

Article 48. Prevention and Control of Riverbank Erosion and Collapse

1. Compile a list of river sections subject to erosion and collapse or at risk thereof in areas with dredging, riverbed and bank modification, material stockpiling, hydropower construction, sand and gravel extraction, and waterway traffic activities.

2. Assess the evolution and impact of riverbank erosion and collapse on residential areas, infrastructure, and socio-economic sectors.

3. Identify primary activities causing riverbank erosion and collapse.

4. Determine priority order and objectives for mitigating river sections affected by erosion and collapse.

5. Propose measures to control activities causing riverbank erosion and collapse; delineate prohibited and temporarily restricted areas for sand and gravel extraction; establish early warning systems for riverbank erosion and collapse.

6. Develop plans and assign responsibilities to relevant parties for preventing riverbank erosion and collapse.

Article 49. Prevention, Control, and Mitigation of Land Subsidence and Settlement

1. Identify areas experiencing or at risk of land subsidence due to groundwater drilling and extraction activities.

2. Evaluate current groundwater extraction status, number and density of extraction wells; determine the extent and evolution of groundwater drawdown funnels in identified areas under Clause 1 of this Article.

3. Delineate areas and aquifers where groundwater drawdown exceeds permissible levels.

4. Determine priority order for prevention, control, and mitigation of land subsidence in areas with groundwater drawdown funnels.

5. Identify one (01) or a group of primary measures to prevent, control, and mitigate land subsidence caused by groundwater drilling and extraction from among the following measures:

a) Establish prohibited and restricted zones for groundwater drilling and extraction;

b) Set extraction limits and reduction plans within the planning period;

c) Propose alternative water sources;

d) Propose artificial recharge solutions;

đ) Propose a monitoring network for land subsidence caused by groundwater extraction.

6. Develop plans and assign responsibilities to relevant parties for preventing, controlling, and mitigating land subsidence.

Article 50. Prevention, control, and remediation of saline water intrusion into aquifers

1. Identify the aquifer and the extent of saline water intrusion caused by groundwater extraction.

2. Assess the degree and development of saline water intrusion into the aquifer with the amount of groundwater extraction.

3. Identify the aquifer and priority areas for prevention and control of saline water intrusion due to groundwater extraction activities during the planning period.

4. Determine one (01) or a group of main solutions for preventing, controlling, and remedying saline water intrusion into the aquifer from among the following solutions:

a) Establishing restricted zones for groundwater extraction in areas at risk of saline water intrusion;

b) Determining the threshold limit for groundwater extraction to prevent saline water intrusion and a plan to reduce the volume of extracted water during the planning period;

c) Propose alternative water sources;

d) Plugging and sealing wells that pose a risk of causing saline water intrusion into the aquifer.

5. Develop plans and determine the responsibilities of relevant parties in preventing, controlling, and remedying saline water intrusion.

Chapter VI

WATER RESOURCES PLANNING PRODUCTS

Article 51. Water Resources Planning Report

1. The explanatory report on water resources planning includes one or more of the following contents:

a) Water allocation;

b) Water resource protection;

c) Prevention, control, and remediation of adverse effects caused by water.

2. Summary report on water resources planning.

3. The structure of the explanatory report on water resources planning is specified in Appendix 03 of this Circular.

Article 52. Water Resources Planning Map

1. The water resources planning map includes one or more of the following maps:

a) Water allocation map;

b) Water resource protection map;

c) Map for prevention, control, and remediation of adverse effects caused by water.

2. Scale of the maps:

a) Minimum scale of 1:200,000 for river basin water resource planning across provinces and inter-provincial water sources;

b) Minimum scale of 1:100,000 for provincial and centrally-administered city water resource planning.

Chapter VII

SOLUTIONS, FINANCING, IMPLEMENTATION PLAN AND SCHEDULE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PLAN

Article 53. Solutions and Financing for Implementation

1. Determine technological and technical solutions suitable for implementing the plan.

2. Determine tasks and mechanisms for coordination between sectors, localities, and relevant parties in implementing the plan.

3. Determine financing corresponding to each planning content.

Article 54. Implementation Plan and Schedule

1. Determine the work content to be carried out in each phase and the completion time.

2. Determine financing for each phase.

Chapter VIII

IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

Article 55. Implementation Organization

1. Ministries, ministerial-level agencies, agencies under the Government, People's Committees of provinces and centrally-administered cities, Directors of the National Water Resources Management Agency, General Directors of the National Center for Water Resources Planning and Investigation, Heads of units under the Ministry, and related organizations are responsible for implementing this Circular.

2. The Water Resources Management Agency and the National Water Resources Planning and Investigation Center shall be responsible for guiding and inspecting the implementation of this Circular.

Article 56. Effective Date

1. This Circular takes effect from January 1, 2016.

2. During implementation, if there are difficulties, agencies, organizations, and individuals are requested to promptly reflect them to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment for study and amendment./.