Water licensing
Water licensing in Western Australia
Water licensing process There are five stages to applying for a new licence or permit, or in making changes to an existing licence. Stage 1
Do I need a licence or permit?
Are you planning to: construct or alter a bore (well) or draw groundwater ? (pdf) use surface water from a watercourse ? (pdf) interfere with
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
How to apply for a licence or permit
Frequently asked questions How do I apply for a water licence or permit? What does the department do when it receives an application ? What
Licence amendments and renewals
Frequently asked questions How often do I need to renew my licence or permit? How do I apply to amend or renew my licence to
Responsibilities of licence and permit holders
Frequently asked questions I have a licence to take water. What are my obligations? I have to meter my water use. What are my obligations?
Transfers, trades and agreements
Trading or leasing water allows for water entitlements to be distributed amongst landholders in fully allocated resource areas. Is water available in your area? Check
Making submissions and complaints about the taking of water
Frequently asked questions Why are water licence applications advertised and how do I make a submission? How do I make a complaint about the taking
Compliance and enforcement
Effective compliance and enforcement are essential tools for managing the state's water resources now and for future generations. The department administers legislation that provides for the regulation, protection and use of water resources across the state.
Water services
This content has been updated and moved to WA.gov.au
REFOCUS program
The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation protects the state's water resources and promotes the sustainable and efficient use of water via regulatory tools such
Foreign ownership of water entitlements
From 1 July 2017, the Australian Government introduced a new water entitlements register to increase transparency around foreign investment in Australia. If you’re a foreign
