Belarusians will be allowed to have only one small dug pond
From January 1, 2027, a new version of the Water Code will come into force in Belarus, introducing additional requirements for artificial reservoirs on private land plots.
Illustrative photo. Photo: magnific.com
According to the new rules, only one dug pond is allowed on one plot. Its area must not exceed 5% of the total area of the land plot.
A dug pond is considered an artificial reservoir with a water surface area of no more than 0.01 hectares (one hundred square meters) and a depth of up to two meters. It can only be used for personal needs, for example, for irrigation or fish farming without commercial activity.
The new legislation also prohibits the creation of other types of surface water bodies on private plots. In addition, requirements for the placement of the pond are established: it must be located no closer than three meters from the shoreline of natural reservoirs and no less than three meters from the boundary of an adjacent plot.
These norms will apply not only to new but also to existing reservoirs. If there are several ponds on the plot or their sizes exceed the permissible limits, owners will have to bring their territory into compliance with the requirements of the law.
At the same time, the creation of a dug pond will not require the development of project documentation. Such a reservoir will be in the exclusive use of the plot owner, so other people will only be able to use it with their permission. An exception is made for technological facilities, including fire-fighting reservoirs.