Groundwater Licencing Should you licence your well?
New Requirements for Groundwater Users If you divert and use groundwater for non-domestic purposes, you must now obtain a water licence and pay water fees and rentals. This change came into force with the Water Sustainability Act (WSA) on February 29, 2016.Groundwater licensing establishes equity between stream water and groundwater users, and provides additional benefits.
If you are a groundwater user, licensing clarifies how much water you can legally use, and increases the security of your access to that water. Licensing establishes rights to groundwater based on the same priority scheme that currently exists for surface water, and will help to reduce conflicts between water users in times of scarcity.
If you are a groundwater user, licensing clarifies how much water you can legally use, and increases the security of your access to that water. Licensing establishes rights to groundwater based on the same priority scheme that currently exists for surface water, and will help to reduce conflicts between water users in times of scarcity.
The 'date of precedence' in the groundwater licence process will be very important in the registration process. It is advisable to apply as soon as possible, especially if a well has high demand and has been used for a long period.
The following links to a presentation that explaines the application process.
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