This volume presents the current legal requirements in the field of groundwater and soil protection, ranging from European regulations to state-level provisions. One of the focal points is the new Federal Soil Protection Act, which comes into effect on March 1, 1999. It addresses both issues related to contaminated sites and the implementation of regulations at the municipal level. Another emphasis is on groundwater protection, discussing the EU Groundwater Directive as well as the 6th amendment to the Water Resources Act and the handling of water-polluting substances. Additional contributions focus on measures for a nature-friendly approach to rainwater management and the development of surface water quality at the state level.