As the river and lake chief system continues to evolve in practice

many regions in China have sought to institutionalize and standardize it through local legislation. Some provinces have enacted dedicated local regulations or government rules

while others have incorporated relevant provisions into existing legal frameworks for river and lake management and protection. This study conducts a comparative analysis of 11 provinces that have introduced specific legislation for the river and lake chief system. It examines both common features and regional differences in terms of legislative scope

organizational structures

institutional mechanisms

and supervision and evaluation arrangements. The results indicate that these legislative efforts have significantly strengthened the accountability of river and lake chiefs

clarified the legal status of river chief offices

enhanced coordination across basin

regional

and administrative levels

and incorporated locally adapted governance approaches. However

challenges remain

including weakened responsibilities at the grassroots level and insufficient coordination mechanisms. Based on these findings

three policy recommendations are proposed

( 1) provinces that have not yet enacted legislation should accelerate the process and translate mature practices into formal legal frameworks;( 2) provinces with existing legislation should conduct timely post-legislative evaluations to adapt to evolving practical needs; and( 3) all regions should strengthen supporting institutional arrangements to ensure effective implementation.These measures will provide a solid legal foundation for further strengthening the river and lake chief system in the new stage.