veekasutusele

Veekasutusele is an Estonian term used in environmental policy and law to denote the designation, authorization, or allocation of water resources for a specific use. The form by which the word occurs—veekasutusele—comes from veekasutus (use of water) with the allative suffix -le, meaning "to water use" or "for water use." In official documents it appears in phrases such as veekasutusele võtmine (taking into use for water use) and veekasutusele lubamine (authorization for water use).

Usage and scope: It is used in contexts like supply of potable water, irrigation, industrial processes, hydropower, and ecological maintenance. Decisions about veekasutusele are typically made by the competent water management authority and may require permits, licenses, or allocation plans, often alongside environmental impact assessments conducted under national law and EU directives (notably the Water Framework Directive).

Process: The process generally includes assessment of water availability, potential environmental effects, and the needs of other users; public consultation; and issuance of terms or conditions for water use, such as volume limits, time frames, and quality requirements.

Significance: Veekasutusele decisions help balance human needs with ecological sustainability and transboundary considerations; they are essential for planning, drought response, and pollution control.

History: The term has become standard in Estonian policy since liberalization and EU integration in the late 20th century and is used throughout water-management legislation and policy documents.