Surface water is all inland waters standing or flowing on the surface of the land and coastal waters, including the territorial sea. Surface water bodies are divided into flowing (rivers, streams, ditches, canals), stagnant (lakes, ponds) and coastal water bodies. To manage surface water bodies, they are divided into parts, i.e. clearly distinct water bodies, and their records are kept.

The goal of water management plans is to achieve at least good status for surface and groundwater, to ensure the sustainable use of water, and to guarantee high-quality drinking water.