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First and second order watercourses; information on watercourse maintenance

Water maintenance is a public law obligation of the state and local authorities.

Responsible for you

Wasserwirtschaftsamt Weiden i.d.OPf.

Wasserwirtschaftsamt Weiden i.d.OPf.

Street address

Am Langen Steg 5
92637 Weiden i.d.OPf.

Zur Post- und Paketanlieferung Eingang "Am Langen Steg" benutzten

Postal address

Am Langen Steg 5

92637 Weiden i.d.OPf.

Procedure details

The maintenance of first and second order waterways is the responsibility of the Free State of Bavaria and is carried out by the water management authorities. The maintenance of federal waterways is the responsibility of the federal government.

The maintenance of an above-ground watercourse includes its care and development as an obligation under public law (maintenance obligation). Watercourse maintenance includes in particular

  • the maintenance of the watercourse bed, also to ensure proper water flow,
  • maintaining the banks, in particular by maintaining and replanting site-appropriate riparian vegetation, as well as keeping the banks free for water runoff,
  • maintaining the navigability of navigable waters with the exception of special access routes to ports and landing stages,
  • maintaining and promoting the ecological functionality of the watercourse, in particular as a habitat for wild animals and plants
  • the maintenance of the watercourse in a condition that meets water management requirements with regard to the discharge or retention of water, bed load, suspended matter and ice.

Water bodies are divided into categories. Surface waters, with the exception of water flowing wild from springs, are classified according to their water management importance:

  • Water bodies of the first order: the federal waterways and the water bodies listed in the "List of water bodies of the first order" (see Annex 1 of the Bavarian Water Act)
  • Second-order watercourses: watercourses listed in the "List of second-order watercourses"
  • Waters of the third order: all other waters

Administrative court action

Status: 02.05.2025
Editorially responsible for prodecure description: Bayerisches Staatsministerium für Umwelt und Verbraucherschutz
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