This is the environmental engineering process through which the boundaries of a drainage basin are defined. This helps calculate the area of the basin, as well as understanding its dynamics. This process of basin demarcation is fundamental for basin planning.
In basin delimitation, the divortium aquarum line (or “division of waters”) is determined; this legal concept establishes regulations in terms of water resources. Each country and region has its own water legislation, but they are all generally aimed at determining the rights and duties of different users and actors, considering water availability, the requirements of those who make use of the resource (domestic, agricultural, or industrial), and the environmental impact.