On 28 October, the Federal Council approved its message on amending the Water Rights Act. It proposes protecting so-called historic water rights on public waters until 31 December 2054. From 1 January 2055, the rights would be abolished uniformly and without compensation. Private water rights are not covered.
The rights originate in earlier legal systems and in some cases allow permanent use of public waters. The federal government says they often conflict with environmental requirements, particularly minimum residual-flow rules. An earlier draft proposed a deadline at the end of 2040; the version now submitted gives existing rights more time.
Most affected facilities are small or very small hydropower plants. After the historic rights end, operators could continue generating electricity under a concession. Some plants may close, with limited effects on electricity output, while river ecology could improve over time. The bill now moves to Parliament for consideration.