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;
- In unproclaimed surface water areas, to the extent that the flow of water in the watercourse or the amount of water in the wetland is not sensibly diminished for any other purpose.
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.
