The Evolution of Water Law and Policy in Spain

Spain has old and complex legislation with regard to water, which has recently undergone some modification (the 1999 Act). The water market has been introduced, with emphasis on environmental protection aspects, while continuing traditional management through hydro basins. The current state of evolution in water law is one of vagueness, with contrasting lines of tension; in some, the old type of focus predominates but there are others in which the so-called new water culture can be detected. The National Hydrological Plan (with its proposal for a major inter-basin transfer) and the application of European Community law (water framework directive) are going to set the trail for development over the next few years, and this will resolve the above-mentioned lines of tension.