Romanian water authority clarifies well usage rules amid public confusion

Romanian authorities have moved to dispel widespread misinformation suggesting citizens face penalties for using water from wells on their own property. The National Water Administration "Apele Române" issued a statement clarifying that individuals can continue to build and use wells for their household needs without seeking approval or facing charges.

The confusion arose following the public debate of a draft law aimed at transposing a European directive on environmental offenses into national legislation. The directive includes provisions on capturing surface or groundwater in ways that cause significant damage. This phrase, "significant damage," was misinterpreted online, leading to alerts that people exploiting water by drilling wells or digging fountains could face imprisonment or require authorization.

"Apele Române" categorically rejected these false claims, stating that the draft law does not introduce any new taxes for water used in households nor does it alter citizens' rights under the existing Water Law (Law no. 107/1996). The institution assured the public that the circulating information is entirely erroneous.

According to the current Water Law, individuals can freely use surface or groundwater for drinking, watering animals, washing, bathing, and other household needs, provided the withdrawal rate does not exceed 0.2 liters per second. This equates to approximately 17.28 cubic meters per day, a volume sufficient for typical domestic use. The administration emphasized that this activity does not constitute a crime and that water from wells for personal use remains free.