Water abstraction and impoundment authorisations
If you take or store surface water or groundwater from any source, you are abstracting or impounding water.
If you abstract or impound water, you may need authorisation:
- In Northern Ireland, from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA)
- In Scotland, from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA)
The type of authorisation you need will depend on how much water you take. You may need an authorisation even if you move water temporarily and return it to the source.
Surface water and groundwater sources include:
- rivers
- streams
- loughs and lochs
- reservoirs
- estuaries
- coastal waters
- wells
- springs
- boreholes
If you take water from the mains supply you don't need an authorisation or licence.
Abstraction and impoundment in Northern Ireland
If you abstract more than 20 cubic metres (m³) of water a day from surface waters or groundwater, you must get an abstraction licence from the NIEA.
If you abstract 20m³ or less of water a day you must:
- be able to demonstrate the volume of water you abstract
- minimise water leaks
- prevent any contamination or pollution
If you abstract between 10m³ and 20m³ of water a day you must also notify the NIEA.
Check if you need an impoundment licence
If you impound (store) water on a watercourse, for example to create a reservoir, you may need an impoundment licence from the NIEA.
For more information about when you need an abstraction or impoundment licence, see our guideline:
Abstraction and impoundment in Scotland
Check your level of authorisation for abstractions.
If you abstract:
- less than 10 cubic metres (m³) of water a day from surface waters or groundwater, you must comply with general binding rules (GBRs), and you will not need to contact SEPA.
- more than 10m³ of water a day, you must have an EASR registration from SEPA.
- more than 50m³ of water a day, you must have an EASR permit from SEPA.
SEPA's website gives you more information about GBRs and guidance on the level of authorisation that you will need for your activity.
Check if you need an impoundment authorisation
You may need an authorisation from SEPA to carry out an existing impoundment activity, or to build any new impoundment structures, for example weirs or dams.
For more information about EASR authorisations see our guideline:
Applying for authorisations
To get an abstraction or impoundment authorisation you should contact the NIEA or SEPA for an application form and to discuss your requirements.
You should also notify the DAERA or SEPA as early as possible if you're taking over an existing authorisation. The authorisation will remain the responsibility of the current authorised person until it is transferred.
DAERA: Apply for an abstraction or impoundment licence
SEPA: EASR water authorisations
Further information
DAERA: Applying to abstract or impound water