In particular, the recent changes in the permit issuing system have created considerable confusion among regulated entities and regulators alike. Currently, water resource management legislation contains numerous contradictory provisions, a fact which adversely impacts the status and quality of the water bodies. The 1996 Law on Environmental Protection provides for the establishment of environmental quality (including water quality) norms. It considered groundwater as part of mineral resources, regulated all aspects of groundwater use, and contained certain provisions on groundwater protection.