The Measures of the Shanghai Municipality on the Implementation of the 'Law of the People’s Republic of China on Water' stipulates as follows:

Water resources belong to the State; enterprises and individuals have the obligation to protect water resources, to develop and utilize water resources and to prevent water disasters; people shall use water in accordance with the principles of comprehensive planning, coordinated use, comprehensive utilization and emphasizing efficiency so as to tap the multi-functions of water resources; the exploitation of the underground water supply shall be strictly controlled; the usage of water shall be well planned; water conservation shall be promoted; water irrigation, supply and sewage of enterprises and individuals shall not damage public interests nor legitimize the obligations of any individuals; the Water Intake License System is adopted in Shanghai.

The Measures of the Shanghai Municipality on the Implementation of the 'Law of the People’s Republic of China on Water' also stipulates the principles for the protection and administration of watercourses, lakes and major water projects as follows:

The utilization of water areas and land shall meet the overall requirements for flood prevention, water transportation, navigation and the comprehensive use of water sources; enclosing lakes for cultivation is strictly prohibited; approval from a relevant water affairs administration authority is needed for all kinds of water projects aiming at installing and enlarging sewage pipelines to rivers and lakes; animal husbandry, cultivation and piling harvests, and building sheds, buildings and tombs are prohibited along watercourses, lakes and major water project protection and administration areas; it is prohibited to dump rubbish and waste within the protection and administration areas of river courses, lakes and water projects; it is prohibited to bomb, dig wells, dig up stones, take earth or damage flood prevention walls, banks and other facilities, or engage in other activities aiming at damaging the security along water banks, lakes and water projects; enterprises and individuals shall not occupy, damage, steal or destroy water project facilities, hydrologic supervision facilities or flood prevention facilities.