Water protection: Problems relative to concept and implementation

In Switzerland a most progressive Federal Water Protection Law offers a sound basis for the realization of comprehensive and efficient water pollution control. Since the enforcement of this Law in 1972, great and meritorious efforts have been undertaken by Federal, Cantonal, and local authorities. Nevertheless, after a phase of tremendous progress, especially in the putting in to operation of sewage treatment plants, it seems necessary to reflect on the further development of water protection. In this paper concept and implementation of water protection in Switzerland are discussed and consequences for future policy suggested. The authors wish to emphasize that the views expressed here are intended to be of a critical nature. While showing existing deficiencies, we are fully aware of the fact that time may often be a limiting factor when aiming at the utilization of the legal potential. The ambitious legal water quality goals aimed at represent a great challenge to the Swiss authorities. The critical review presented here concerning water protection in Switzerland may — with respect to many aspects — be applied to the situation in many other countries, thus being of general validity.