Protecting groundwater as a right to sustain life under its legal framework

Abstract

Abstract: Pure fresh water is essential when available. What humans need for the continuity of life today in particular is groundwater, due to its extreme importance to humans, especially in arid regions where this water represents the main source, especially in the process of industrial and agricultural development. This water is exposed to multiple risks as a result of human activities, such as over-exploitation and various types of pollution, which negatively affects humans and their health as consumers of this water, especially for domestic uses. Therefore, when relying on this water, laws must be enacted to ensure its preservation and protection, due to its extreme importance, especially with the lack or scarcity of surface water in some areas. Some violations may be committed during use. Therefore, this study aims to clarify the legal mechanisms guaranteed by the legislator to protect groundwater and prevent its misuse, which leads to its depletion or pollution. The Iraqi legislator took it upon himself in Environmental Protection and Improvement Law No. 27 of 2009 to extract groundwater