The concept of compensating for climatically induced increases in heavy precipitation events and dry periods in watercourse management has no specific basis in current law. EU, federal and state regulations contain only general principles and isolated regulatory approaches for the management and protection of water bodies, but not a coherent legal concept for integrated precipitation and drought management. Most importantly, it cannot contribute to moderating the currently intensifying water use conflicts during summer droughts.

However, the traditional regulatory approach of the Federal Water Resources Act is generally aimed at protecting the water balance and the use of water bodies by humans from harmful impacts and, to this end, pursues the concept of state-responsible, economical management of the natural water supply.

Thus, the currently applicable provisions of water and environmental law provide a structurally suitable basis for the implementation of the joint project, but require specific interpretation and application, and possibly also further development by the legislature.