Water Law. Country/Territory Switzerland Territorial subdivision Schwyz Document type Legislation Date 1973 (2013) Source FAO, FAOLEX Subject Water Keyword Basic legislation Potable water Water rights Waterworks Hydropower generation Inland waters Geographical area Europe, Western Europe Entry into force notes The present Law enters into force on 1 January 1974. Abstract The present Law lays down provisions relating to water rights in the Canton of Schwyz relating both to all groundwater and surface waters. It applies to private waters only if this is expressly stated. With the exception of alpine lakes and authorized artificial lakes, public waters are lakes, all rivers and brooks, and all groundwater. Everyone has the right to use public waters for shipping, taking water, bathing and diving. However, by doing so the quality of the water must not be affected. T Full text German Website www.sz.ch References - Legislation Implemented by Ordinance implementing the Water Act. Legislation | Switzerland | 1976 (2011) Keyword: Freshwater quality/freshwater pollution, Inland waters, Water rights, Waterworks, Public water, Enforcement/compliance Source: FAO, FAOLEX