Competencies on freshwater management are highly decentralized, managed by River Basin Authorities for inter-regional river basins and by regional authorities for intra-regional river basins.
Central
State authorities:
- take responsibility for decision-making on fresh water, through consultation with the National Council on Water,
- approve RBMPs and FRMPs prepared by either regional or river basin authorities,
- manage conflicts between River Basin Authorities and other national-level issues (such as water transfers, flood management) detailed in the National Hydrologic Plan,
- take responsibility for large-scale civil protection strategies and for coastal areas vulnerable to flood risk,
- undertake international cooperation, with Portugal (under the Convention of Albufeira) and with France,
- undertake public participation at national level.
Regional
River Basin Authorities are responsible for inter-regional River Basins:
- manage river basins and prepare and implement RBMPs and FRMPs for inter-regional River Basins (determining objectives, managing resources, risk assessment, public consultation, monitoring),
- manage large-scale water users, such as agriculture or power generation,
- plan and build infrastructure according to requests from the central government,
- assist municipalities in implementing water-related projects.
The governing boards of these River Basin Authorities include representatives of the central government and of the regions within their territories.
Regional authorities are responsible for intra-regional River Basins:
- manage river basins and prepare and implement RBMPs and FRMPs for intra-regional river basins (determining objectives, managing resources, risk assessment, public consultation, monitoring),
- manage land and freshwater resources, civil protection.
Local
Municipalities:
- manage urban water supply and wastewater treatment (occasionally in collaboration with regional authorities),
- define the regulation and price to be paid for water users,
- manage water supply and wastewater treatment infrastructure and if applicable contract day to day management to private or semi-public enterprises,
- undertake urban planning and civil protection plans related to flood risk
Communities of users bring together local stakeholders (in particular agriculture) to resolve conflicts related to water use. Some of these bodies have deep historical roots, such as the Court of Water of the plains of Valencia (dating to the 10th century) and the Council of Wise Men of the plain of Murcia.
Responsible ministries/bodies
Central
Regional
Local
Sources
