Exemptions
There are some activities that do not require a licence or permit. The following information outlines these exemptions.
Construct a well and take groundwater exemption
A licence is not required to construct a well or to take water if:
- The development is within the water table (non-artesian) aquifer; and
- Water is only used for domestic purposes such as:
- domestic and ordinary use
- watering an area of lawn or garden less than 0.2 ha
- fire fighting
- watering cattle or other stock not raised under intensive conditions as defined in section 21(4) of the Rights in Water and irrigation Act 1914.
Note: A licence will be required if the property requires more than 1500 kL/year from the groundwater resource in a proclaimed area.
Monitoring well exemption
A licence to construct a well is not required if:
- The development is within the water table (non-artesian) aquifer; and
- The well is required for monitoring water level or water quality.
Dewatering exemption
A licence is not required for dewatering purposes if:
- The development is within the water table (non-artesian) aquifer; and
- water is taken from the well solely for the purpose of removing underground water to facilitate construction or other activity (that is, dewatering); and
- the water is taken at a pump rate not exceeding 10 litres per second over a period of less than 30 consecutive days; and
- the volume of water taken over the period does not exceed 25 000 kilolitres.
Surface water exemption (riparian right)
A licence is not required to take surface water if the landowner/occupier of any land in direct contact with a watercourse or wetland requires water for:
- domestic and ordinary use
- watering cattle/stock not raised under intensive conditions; or
- to irrigate garden not exceeding 2 ha (not used for commercial purposes), as long as the garden is part of the riparian land and is connected with a dwelling;
- to the extent that the flow of water in the watercourse or amount of water in the wetland is not sensibly diminished for any other purpose.
Note: A licence will be required if the property requires more than 1500 kL/year from the watercourse in a proclaimed area.
Note: Permits to interfere with the beds and banks of a watercourse are required in proclaimed areas, regardless of whether a riparian right to take water exists.
Farm dams and tank exemptions
A landholder can drain their land, or build a dam or tank on their land without a licence as long as:
- the dam or tank is not on a watercourse or wetland
- there is no sensible reduction (that is, a noticeable change) in the volume or flow of water in a watercourse or wetland
- there are no significant environmental effects
- the development is consistent with local by-laws
- the dam does not intercept the groundwater table.
Still unsure? Please contact your regional Department of Water and Environmental Regulation office, call 1800 508 885 or email licence.enquiry@water.wa.gov.au to confirm your licensing requirements.
