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 does the department consider when assessing an application?

How long do I have to provide information to the department to support my water licence application?

When do applications need to be advertised?

In what circumstances can an application for a water licence and/or permit be refused?

If I am not satisfied with the department's decision regarding my application, can I request a review?

How do I apply for a water licence or permit?

Before completing an application, it is recommended that you contact the Department to discuss your proposed development or water needs. You will be advised of your licensing or permitting needs and advised to register to apply via Water Online. The 'quick reference guide' Registering for Water Online may assist you.

You may also be directed to the relevant Department of Water and Environmental Regulation office depending on the nature and complexity of your proposed development. If you need multiple licence or permit approvals, access our 'One stop shop' assessment and approvals page at https://dwer.wa.gov.au/one-stop-shop.

You can find out if water may be available in your area by visiting the Water Register.

Water licence applications are also accepted on paper forms which may be forwarded to your local department office via post, fax or email. If you choose to apply this way, please ensure you:

have the correct application form(s) for your proposal
read the relevant application form guide
complete all relevant sections of the form (including all supporting evidence), sign it, and forward it to your local department office via post, fax or signed scan via email, and
demonstrate that you have the authority to carry out the activities, including legal access to the site. Written evidence may be required.

Note that an application to construct a well, and an application to take water may be submitted together. Similarly a permit application and application to take water may be submitted together.

What does the department do when it receives an application?

After receiving an application, the department may need to clarify issues with you before the assessment can be competed, such as:

the requirement for any further information and the timeframe for submitting the information to the department.
whether a site inspection of the site identified on the application is required
whether your application needs to be referred to another government agency
current water availability
further details regarding your proposed use of water
the need to advertise your application to invite public comment.

Applications are generally assessed in the order in which they are received (first-in first-served). A decision on your application to take water may depend on the outcome of applications received before yours, as these may affect the volume of water available.

For more information about how applications are assessed see The Water Licensing Process.

What does the department consider when assessing an application?

Each application is assessed on an individual, transparent and equitable basis in accordance with the requirements of the Rights in Water and Irrigation Act 1914, licensing policies and water allocation plans.

Consideration is given to both the short and long-term economic, environmental and social impacts of granting and/or refusing licences.

A general licence assessment will take into consideration the following:

Is the application in the public interest, environmentally acceptable and ecologically sustainable?
Does the application prejudice current and future needs for water, or is it, in the opinion of the department, likely to have a detrimental effect on another licensee's use of water?
Can the water be provided by another source?
Is the application in keeping with local practices, or a water allocation plan approved by the department?
Is the proposed development consistent with current land use planning, requirements and policies of other government agencies, or any intergovernmental agreement or arrangement?

A licence assessment may not be limited to these considerations. The department may require an applicant to provide further information to enable an assessment to be undertaken on a case-by-case basis.

For more information about how applications are assessed see The Water Licensing Process.

More information can be found in our licensing policies and water allocation plans.

How long do I have to provide information to the department to support my water licence application?

You may be required to provide additional information to support your application.

Examples include:

Proof of legal access to the land
Reports on water resource investigations
Hydrogeological or hydrological monitoring reports
Operating strategies.

If any of the above are required, you will be provided with guidance on how these reports or proposals should be prepared and how much time you have to submit them as part of your application.

The department has established guidelines for the timely submission of additional information. Your application may be returned if the additional information is incomplete or not provided on time.

For further information please refer to the following policies:

When do applications need to be advertised?

You may be required to advertise your licence or permit application in situations where:

the proposed development is likely to have a significant impact on the water resource (both groundwater and surface water)

you are requesting a groundwater licence to take more than 100 000 kL/yr, or an increase in the entitlement on your existing groundwater licence by more than 100 000 kL/yr.

The department will consider any submissions made by the public within the specified timeframe, in the assessment of your application.

In what circumstances can an application for a water licence and/or permit be refused?

It is not always possible to grant a licence or permit. Situations which may result in a refusal include:

You are not eligible to hold a water licence.
Your application is considered environmentally unacceptable or unsustainable.
Your application is inconsistent with a relevant local by-law.
Your application is inconsistent with an approved water allocation plan.
You cannot prove you have the means or financial resources to carry out the proposed development listed on your application.
You have previously committed an offence against the Rights in Water and Irrigation Act 1914.
The water resource is fully allocated and there is not enough water available to meet your requirements.

If I am not satisfied with the department's decision regarding my application, can I request a review?

If you are unsatisfied, you may request a review of the department's decision through the State Administrative Tribunal.

A review of a decision may be sought where the department has:

refused your water licence application, or

applied terms, conditions or restrictions on your approved licence or permit that you disagree with.

An application fee may apply. For more information please contact the State Administrative Tribunal. www.sat.justice.wa.gov.au

More information

This question deals only with processes and approvals under the Rights in Water and Irrigation Act 1914.

Other legislation can apply to the activity you wish to undertake and it is your responsibility to ensure you have all the required approvals.

If you need multiple licence or permit approvals, access our 'One stop shop' assessment and approvals page at https://dwer.wa.gov.au/one-stop-shop.