Check if you need a licence to abstract water
Summary
The Environment Agency has published guidance explaining when a water abstraction licence is required, including the threshold of more than 20 cubic metres a day and the need to check for related impounding permissions. The update also highlights exemptions, regulatory position statements, and the requirement to seek consent before investigating certain groundwater sources such as boreholes and wells.
Why it matters
Residential property surveyors may encounter abstraction and groundwater issues on development, alteration, or dewatering projects, particularly where works could affect water levels or flows. The guidance is relevant to compliance checks, site risk assessment, and advising clients on whether Environment Agency permissions may be needed.
Key points
- A licence is likely required if more than 20 cubic metres of water a day is abstracted.
- Impounding permissions may be needed for structures that alter water level or flow.
- Groundwater investigations can require consent before a licence application, including for boreholes and wells.
- The Environment Agency references exemptions and regulatory position statements for certain low-risk activities.
- Unauthorised abstraction may lead to enforcement action.
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