China Promulgates “Ecological Environment Code”: Part 3 
The Ecological Environment Code of the People's Republic of China was passed by the 14th National People's Congress and will take effect on August 15, 2026. This article (Part 3) provides an overview of the provisions in the Code regarding water pollution prevention and control. Upon the enforcement of the Code, the existing Water Pollution Prevention and Control Law of the People's Republic of China will be repealed.
Notably, the Code introduces new provisions concerning the investigation and assessment of groundwater status—areas not covered under the current Law. Furthermore, it strengthens regulations for vessels navigating inland rivers. While the current "Water Pollution Prevention and Control Law" technically prohibits the dilution of industrial wastewater containing toxic or hazardous substances, it failed to specify penalties for such actions. The new Code officially introduces specific penalties to deter the dilution of industrial wastewater.
