Ensuring the exploitation and use of mineral water "Tešanjski kiseljak" implies the analysis and performance of complex geological, hydrogeological, hydrological, quantitative, qualitative and genetic research, as well as the definition and establishment of high ecological standards in the researched area of the "Tešanjski kiseljak" source, along with exemplary field and laboratory and cabinet analyzes and data processing. The basic criteria for defining the genesis and regime, hydrogeological relations and protection of mineral waters are geological and geomorphological characteristics of the terrain, climatic and hydrographic conditions, structural- tectonic and hydrogeological characteristics of the terrain, quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the source, existing and potential pollutants of the source, analysis of genetic and hydrodynamic aquifer parameters from which protection zones and source protection measures arise Depending on the hydrogeological characteristics of the terrain, the relationship between permeable and impermeable rocks, the position of the aquifer in relation to atmospheric and surface waters, recharge conditions, permeability and hydrogeological parameters, the existence of the water body of mineral waters, the renewal of its reserves and the quality of mineral waters depends. Key words: mineral waters, hydrogeological categorization, structural-tectonic relations, water genesis