Evaluation on Implementation of Water Law in China

China has simultaneously experienced a dramatic economic growth and an increase in a variety of serious water challenges in the last three decades. Although China initiated the first version of the Water Law early in 1988, its implementation was too limited to result in efficient water usage and water protection. This paper investigates the national and local legislation and local implementation history of the Water Resources Assessment and Water Abstraction Permit systems in Hunan Province, the two most important regulations under Water Law from the perspectives of legislation, personnel, administration structure, and national governance goal change reflected by administration appraisal. Several issues have held back the effective implementation of this law. First, the priority level of water protection in the government and officer performance evaluation criteria need to be improved because making gross domestic product growth highest priority has impeded water protection. Second, water management personnel’s expertise needs be strengthened either by training or by recruiting new more qualified staff. Thirdly, the current administrative structure of China may need adjustments because overlapping responsibilities for water management among a few departments requires strong coordination and cooperation, which is not the case now, especially on a local level. Fourthly, the legislation of water regulations is dilatory and patchy and thus requires a comprehensive planning and design in the early stages. This study can provide useful insights into further implementation of the Water Law.