Abstract <p>Russian water legislation has been developing in accordance with the basic principles of sustainable development and sustainable water use. The geographical basis for managing socioeconomic and natural systems, including water resources, are defined by territorial planning documents, developed in accordance with the administrative division of the country without taking into account the natural boundaries. The river basin is considered the most suitable unit for the territorial organization of sustainable water use with respect to the landscape organization of basin systems. It is determined that the key level of territorial organization of sustainable water use is determined by the basins of the medium and small rivers (orders VI–IV) that outline several municipal districts. The natural–ecological framework and its variety, the water–green urban framework, formed by the basin principle are proposed as a tool for the territorial organization of sustainable water use. Great importance in urban areas is given to the water-protective zoning of coastal territories as part of the water–green urban framework.</p>