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Taking water from a surface source (such as a river, stream or canal) or from an underground source is called abstraction. If you plan to take more than 20 cubic metres (20,000 litres) a day, you are likely to need an abstraction licence from the Environment Agency.

The Environment Agency assesses applications to abstract water against local water availability.

When you do not need a licence

You do not need a licence or to register an exemption for:

• abstractions of 20 cubic metres or less a day, provided your abstraction is part of a single operation if you abstract from the same source at multiple points, the exemption only applies if the combined total of all abstractions is 20 cubic metres or less a day
• filling ships or boats with drinking or ballast water
• water used for fire fighting
• abstraction (transfers) downstream of the normal tidal limit by navigation, harbour and conservancy authorities, other than in the hour before or after low tide
• abstraction in connection with dredging operations authorised by an authority in its statutory duties in relation to waters upstream of the normal tidal limit, and any abstraction downstream of the normal tidal limit
• abstraction of water within managed wetland systems (if the main abstraction into the system is licensed) and impounding works solely for the management, operation or maintenance of water within managed wetland systems
• abstraction of water with a high saline content from underground strata in the Cheshire basin (part of an existing exemption given to the former Mersey and Weaver River Authority in 1968)
• dewatering of underground strata and abstractions of surface waters to prevent interference with building or engineering works where the abstraction lasts less than 6 consecutive months, subject to restrictions
• low risk passive dewatering, if you follow the conditions in ourpassive dewatering regulatory position statement
• third-party operated dry docks that transfer water to and from a navigation authoritys water system
• emergency abstraction by port, harbour or conservancy authorities, provided they tell the Environment Agency usingform WR341
• using rainwater collected from roofs and other surfaces ourregulatory position statement on collecting rainwaterexplains when collected rainwater is exempt and when you need a water abstraction licence

For more information on restrictions see theWater Abstraction and Impounding (Exemptions) Regulations 2017.

Abstract from a borehole or well

If you want to abstract groundwater from a borehole or well you should check if you need to apply for consent to investigate a groundwater source before you apply for a licence. You may need to apply for a separate consent to construct the borehole or well and complete a test pumping of it.

Apply for an abstraction licence

Find out how to apply for a water abstraction licence.

If you need help

If you are in any doubt about whether you need an abstraction licence, pleasecontact the Environment Agency.