Groundwater, as a source of water supply, the most important mineral and geopolitical resource, , is often the only source of high-quality drinking water that is protected from pollution under conditions of increasing deterioration of surface water quality. Transboundary groundwaters are the focus of hydrogeological researchers for a number of reasons, including the reduction and pollution of water resources as a result of economic activities. The increased controversy between states over transboundary water issues has necessitated the development of international legal documents on issues related to water conflict prevention and the sustainable use of fresh water. As part of the analysis of the problem of legal regulation of groundwater extraction from transboundary aquifers and complexes, it is proposed to consider this aspect on the example of Russia. The problems of regulation of rational use and protection of fresh water in the bilateral treaties of the Russian Federation were revealed; a methodology for the management of groundwater extraction in the territory of the transboundary aquifer was developed, the size, parameters, and factors influencing the formation of the transboundary zone have been determined (based on research and analysis of water intake activities in the border areas of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Estonia) were determined.

Water is a key component of our environment; it is a renewable, limited and vulnerable natural resource, which provides for the economic, social, and environmental well-being of the population. The modern system of taxation and regulation of subsoil use in the extraction of groundwater is currently imperfect and has definite disadvantages, among them not enough control of natural resources by the state, the commercialization stage of licensing, and the budget deficit, which is passed on to other areas of the national economy. General information about the state of the underground water supply in Russia, and the negative trends of underground water use are presented. The system of licensing underground water intakes in Germany is briefly described; some measures to improve the system of man-agement of Russia’s underground waters fund are suggested.

Currently, discussions on issues related to further improvement and development of Russian legislation of mineral resources, are very active and sharp. It is understandable due to the fact that mineral resources influence economic and social stability in the country. In this article the main ways for establishment of the initial payment size for the use of natural resources are examined. The advantages and disadvantages of the main methods of evaluation,used abroad, as well as the possibility of their use in Russia were reviewed. The amount of the auctions, given and renewed licenses in 2011 is also represented.